Capital Reef National Park and Goblin Valley State Park

Capital Reef National Park:

The same tremendous forces that uplifted the Colorado Plateau created a giant wrinkle (called the Waterpocket Fold) in the Earth’s crust that stretches for a 100 miles across Utah. In the millions of years since the upper most layers have eroded away and now only portions of these buckles are visible. It is impressive none the less and must have been outstanding before it began eroding. The majority of the park protects what is still left of this fold, including 1,000 foot cliff faces and jumbles of bent and twisted rock layers. It also encompasses traces of ancient Freemont cultures and Mormon pioneer settlements.

Portion of the Waterpocket Fold from Afar

Waterpocket Fold Closer Up

Goblin Valley State Park:

Now some may say we were fools to pay the $6 entrance fee for Goblin Valley State Park and then only stay an hour. But I tell you Goblin Valley was an extremely neat place - so it had to be seen but it was also extremely overcrowded with a large family reunion type party - so spending much time there may have driven someone mad. Plus an hour in the 98 degree heat with no shade was almost too much for this prone to dehydration girl! (dave is finally getting the heat he has been seeking and in the meantime I’ve been melting!!)

The same geologic forces that created spires and hoodoos in other areas of the state combined to create these neat looking stone gnomes. In the late 1920’s, cowboys searching for lost cattle first discovered this crazy looking valley. It was officially declared a state park in 1964 and has been a popular recreation site ever since.

Goblin Valley

Goblins

dave and the Goblins

jody and the Goblins