Capital Reef National Park, UT (June 22, 2023)

​The Rangers at Grand Staircase Escalante National Park convinced me getting a campsite at Capital Reef National Park for a night would reduce driving time and allow me to enjoy the park and ranger events I otherwise would not enjoy.  I left early and arrived at the Fruita Campground at Capital Reef National Park by 10am.  The drive went from dessert scenery to more mountainous green landscapes.  The towns passed were small with many farms and ranches spread out as far as the eye could see.  Upon arrival, much like Bryce National Park, Capital Reef National Park has a scenic drive with short and long hikes from the points and overlooks.  I started the scenic drive at the entrance and the furthest point “Gorge Trail”.  It required a drive down a gravel dirt narrow road to get to the trail.  I was not the only one, and other drivers were respectful and kind in letting people pass.  I completed a 2-mile hike past the petroglyphs, the pioneer, and to the tanks and back.  Luckily there was a breeze and some shade because it was the hottest part of the day.  I had a picnic lunch near Gifford House and wandered the grounds.  Unfortunately, there was no pick your own fruit available, the birds had gotten to any berries that might have been available. 
That night the rangers held an astrology talk with large telescopes for attendees to observe the night sky.  The Rangers shared information about the Dark Sky designation at Capital Reef National Park, and pointed out the stars we were seeing.  Then they invited us to the telescopes they had set up and showed us the surface of the moon and a few star constellations.  It was an awesome sight and so worth staying at Capital Reef overnight.  I was so lucky to get the one and only campsite that was available. 
IN the morning before leaving, I hiked the Fremont trail as the sun was rising.  Afterwards I left for the drive to Moab, UT.