Legend has it that when outlaw Butch Cassidy and the Wild Bunch were looking for a place to lay low, one of their outposts was the canyon country of south-central Utah. The area around Capitol Reef National Park remains a good choice for travelers seeking to lose the crowds but still experience the state’s vast natural beauty.
This diverse region, known as Capitol Reef Country, is a place where groups can see steep mountains, jagged pinnacles, colorful rock formations, dense forests and remote desert landscapes. No matter which way they head after exploring the national park, they have plenty of options for outdoor adventure.
To the east … is Goblin Valley State Park. Located north of Hanksville, this attraction is home to a large group of mushroom-shaped rock formations and a few arches. Hiking trails lead to a number of well-preserved pictographs and petroglyphs thought to be the works of ancient tribes that inhabited the area.
To the west … is Fishlake National Forest. Adorned by countless aspen trees, the 1.5-million-acre recreational area is a top spot for ATV tours, horseback rides, hiking and fishing. The nearby Henry Mountains and the Dixie National Forest offer additional nature experiences, ranging from buffalo viewing to rock climbing.
To the south … is Anasazi State Park and Museum. This historical village was home to one of Utah’s largest Anasazi Indian communities from roughly 1060 to 1235 A.D. Excavations over the years have revealed more than 100 buildings along with thousands of artifacts that visitors can see in the museum.
To learn more, contact Wayne County/Capitol Reef Country’s Nycole Durfey or go to capitolreef.travel.
Top photo: Goblin Valley State Park
Photo by CC Flickr/Kai Gradert: bit.ly/2H1SVtH
