We were up early to get the most out of our day at Capitol Reef National Park. Our itinerary required a pivot right away when the road we needed to drive down to get to the trailhead for the hike we had planned to do was closed due to flash flooding the night before. We redirected to the Visitors Centre and asked for a trail recommendation. We ended up selecting a different hike that was about the same length and difficulty. It was called the Chimney Rock Trail. We saw chimney rock from way, way up, as well as panoramic views of the surrounding cliffs.
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| Camouflaged lizard. |
Immediately following the hike, we attended the Anthropology lecture about the Petroglyph Panels. We learned about the etchings done by the Fremont peoples and how they lived in pit houses and made shoes out of hooves of animals including using their dew claws for traction. The figures in the petroglyphs are quite odd. They look like human figures standing alongside robots with four fingers.
Next, it was off to Gifford House - a Mormon pioneer homestead - for homemade pies (peach, strawberry rhubarb, and cherry). They were delicious! We petted the horses and took photos of the iconic barn.
By this time, the scenic road had opened up so we were able to do the drive to Capitol Gorge to see the unique geological feature called the Waterpocket Fold up close. These cliffs were a major obstacle for pioneers and travellers trying to make their way across Utah. For a long time the Capitol Wash (now renamed Capitol Gorge) was the major thoroughfare despite the significant flash flood risks during monsoon season.
In the afternoon we checked in to our unique overnight accommodation - we are sleeping in a pioneer wagon at Broken Spur Inn! We were very excited to check out the wagon which is big enough to fit all of us.
We spent the afternoon swimming and reading, followed by a fancy supper at the Broken Spur Steakhouse, including dessert! What a treat. We also saw some cool animals around the inn.
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| Teeny bunny. |
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| Curious lizard. |
After supper we luxuriated in showers in our private bathroom (Ooh! Ahh! Showers!) and prepared for a restful sleep in our wagon accommodation. The AC in our wagon doesn’t work but it gets nice and cool here at night so we are hoping that it is going to be a very comfortable night.
