Capitol Reef National Park, Utah

Torrey, Utah.  Have you heard of it?  Before this trip, me neither.  It’s the town just outside of Capitol Reef National Park, about a 3 ½ hour drive from Salt Lake City.  It’s one of Utah’s lesser known national parks, but just because it’s a little brother to Zion or Bryce Canyon, it is not any less awe-inspiring!  When I was an undergrad at the University of Illinois many moons ago (GO ILLINI!), I took an elective Earth science class called Geology of National Parks, and it was one of my absolute favorites in all my time at U of I, not to mention a much-needed diversion from all the Econ, Accounting, and Finance courses.  That’s where I first learned about Capitol Reef, and it has been on my radar ever since.  First, we pulled into the Capitol Reef Resort.  For a town of its size, Torrey does have a fair number of lodging options, but if you ask me, Capitol Reef Resort is THE place to stay.  It used to be a garden-variety Best Western motel, but over the past few years, the owners have slowly started to convert it into a bona-fide western resort (cowboy kitch included).  Aside from the standard “lodge” rooms, which all have AMAZING views, they have also added brand new luxe cabin options, as well as, and this was my favorite, glamping options of teepees and covered wagons surrounding a communal campfire.  If you have kids, or are looking for a unique lodging experience, this was WAY cool.  One of the maintenance guys was kind enough to drive me around and show me inside the different lodging options –check it out online.

Capitol Reef offers stunning hikes, gorgeous sunsets, and a real “out there” feel.  And while understandably hot during the day, it's cool and comfortable (even chilly!) once the sun sets.  One of our best surprises was a Michelin-worthy meal at Diablo Cafe- not sure how a restaurant of this caliber survives in teeny Torrey, but it was the best meal of the trip by far....even the kids ate rattlesnake cakes!

Traveler Tip:  Don’t get injured! There’s no one to rescue you!

Capitol Reef national park at Sunset

Who Knew we'd find haute cuisine in the middle of the desert?

Standing under the towering Hickman Bridge, Capitol reef NP