Nature
Capitol Reef National Park preserves a long, narrow stretch of south-central Utah centered on the Waterpocket Fold, a nearly 100-mile uplift whose weathered cliffs, domes, canyons, arches, buttes, and monoliths define one of North America’s most distinctive desert landscapes. Its name reflects white Navajo Sandstone formations that recalled the U.S. Capitol and a rocky barrier once called a reef. People lived along the Fremont River for centuries, from Fremont farmers around 1000 to later Paiute and Mormon settlers. After local promotion and monument status in 1937, improved access, expansion, and congressional action in 1971 established the park in its present form.
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Utah · United States
