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Capitol Reef

The Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile long wrinkle in the earth's crust known as a monocline, extends from nearby Thousand Lakes Mountain to the Colorado River (now Lake Powell). Capitol Reef National Park was established to protect this grand and colorful geologic feature, as well as the unique natural and cultural history found in the area.
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Water Pocket Fold

Geology

The Waterpocket Fold defines Capitol Reef National Park. A nearly 100-mile long warp in the Earth's crust, the Waterpocket Fold is a classic monocline: a regional fold with one very steep side in an area of otherwise nearly horizontal layers. A monocline is a "step-up" in the rock layers.
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School located in the valley of Capitol Reef, Fruita

Cultural History

Called "Wayne Wonderland" in the 1920s by local boosters Ephraim P. Pectol and Joseph S. Hickman, Capitol Reef National Park comprises 378 square miles of colorful canyons, ridges, buttes, and monoliths.
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Black and White photo of Fruita in early years

Fruita

Settlement came late to south-central Utah; the Capitol Reef area wasn't charted by credible explorers until 1872. In the last half of that decade, Latter Day Saints (Mormon) settlers moved into the high plateau lands west of Capitol Reef and established communities based on short-season farming and grazing.
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Rock Squirrel perched on rock

Natural Resources

Visitors of Capitol Reef will find a wide range of habitat types that support diverse plant and animal life.
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Write to

Capitol Reef National Park
HC 70 Box 15
Torrey, UT 84775

Phone

Visitor Information
(435) 425-3791 ext. 111

Fax

(435) 425-3026

Climate

Summer temperatures often climb into the upper 90s(F), but nights cool down into the 50s(F) and 60s(F). The thunderstorm season from July through September brings cloudbursts, flash floods and lightning. Spring and fall are milder with highs generally in the 50s(F) and 60s(F). Daytime winter highs average less than 50(F). Snowfall is usually light, especially at lower elevations. Humidity is low all year. Weather info can be viewed by clicking the more... button below.
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Communities Surrounding Capitol Reef National Park
Note: The times listed below are approximate driving times to the park.
Torrey, UT (14 min. ) Pop. 171
Teasdale, UT (21 min. )
Bicknell, UT (25 min. ) Pop. 353
Lyman, UT (31 min. ) Pop. 234
 Loa, UT (35 min. ) Pop. 525
Hanksville, UT (46 min. )
Boulder, UT (57 min. ) Pop. 180