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Capitol Reef National Park
Capitol Reef National Park only became one of my most favorite national parks because of its extraordinary hiking trails. Nearly every trail takes advantage of the park’s unique geologic feature of the Waterpocket Fold. The fold is an actual wrinkle in the earth’s crust, creating a massive sandstone extrusion that towers above the surrounding landscape, stretching for dozens of miles. Hikes like Navajo Knobs, Chimney Rock, and the Frying Pan Trails all offer tremendous views of the eroded sandstone landscape. Farther south, a hike like Upper Muley Twist Canyon shows off the best of the fold, bringing hikers through and around narrow canyons before climbing on top of the rim for endless desert views in every direction. The park is also home to many extraordinary slot canyons, such as Grand Wash, Spring Canyon, and many more.
Must Do Hikes
Easy: Hickman Bridge
Moderate: Chimney Rock
Strenuous: Navajo Knobs