RonnyWe returned to Capitol Reef National Park during a dry spring. After four months of no breaks from working, we were ready for the sun and reprieve from work.
The travel
Two hours in from SLC, we stopped at El Mexicano in Salina, UT. This local Mexican joint has a-la-cart options as well as combo dishes for every guest. We opted for a lighter lunch and ordered 1 taco each. Grilled fish, and shrimp. Each came with plenty of fresh toppings. Raspberry iced tea was delicious and not too heavy.
Next, we checked into our hotel and then made our way into the park. Our stay for the night was simple, The Noor Hotel. Good prices, clean rooms, and easy check-in /checkout (even having a key box outside for all hours checkout.)
Capitol Reef National Park
This is important advice; download the Recreation.gov app before your trip and download/pay for your Capitol Reef National Park pass. Internet/Phone service was non existent for us the moment we left the town of Torrey. We had to leave the park, go back to the hotel, connect to WIFI and then we were good to go.
The trailhead destination was Rim Overlook Trail. Somehow, after hiking, passing and taking the trail marked Rim Overlook, we got off trail. Further, as it sometimes goes, we ended up somewhere completely different from where we planned. You can never predict what may just happen to happen while traveling. Hickman Bridge is a beautiful arch and well trafficked hike that we weren’t planning on taking, but ended up on after our misjudged trail mishap.
We found a small outcrop that we established our chairs at. Subway sandwiches in hand, we had dinner atop the plateau, the Fremont river and valley below.
Coming off the mountain the sun dipped quickly and by the time we made it to the car the sun was gone. A twenty minute car ride back and we were done for the night. We shared a bottle of wine and rested for the night.
Cathedral Valley
The next morning we left around 10am and make our way to Cathedral Valley. We were wary since our car is a Prius C, so its clearance is awful and its front wheel drive. Ronny was able to navigate our black beast through some muddy and messy road. Optimistic, and convinced we were going to be able to make it, we ran into a road closed gate. We audible gasped. Such a bummer. With spring runoff, it was still a little too early in the season to pass (with our vehicle, at least).
Our next adventure was trying to boat Johnson Valley Reservoir, and hour away. Upon arrival, we realized the reservoir was still frozen! So boating was out of our story unfortunately, but not without trying!
Our lunch was from Curry Pizza in Bicknell, UT. Ronny had eaten here before but it was my first time. One veggie Pizza (med) and one Veggie Aloo Gobi.(mild). We enjoyed it in our room at Rim Rock Inn. This hotel boasts one of the best continuous views of the park. Setting up our camping chairs and table, we feasted and rested while watching Robots on the television. Naps ensued.
Before dinner we planned on fishing the Fremont River from a trailhead I found online. Upon arrival our trail was not absolute. Ronny droned the area in the setting sun. Dinner was at Rim Rock Restaurant. A Chianti wine paired with our salads, and I had the Fettuccine alfredo. Ronny opted for the 1/2lb burger. Food to go, we returned to our room and fell asleep to Sleepless in Seattle.
Final morning
Our final morning was slow and restful. Snuggles and packing back up, we headed out to hike the Capitol Wash, around 2.5 miles roundtrip.
Our plan was to try to explore Bear Canyon, located about a mile into Capitol Wash. While on trail, we couldn’t find a way. We did call the Capitol Reef National Park afterwards for clarification as to if we could even explore the area and the only thing they said was to be aware of where you’re hiking, not bothering crusts of strata.
There was little to no elevation gain, and if you start early enough you’ll stay in the shade of the canyon walls. We finished a little late in the afternoon and hated the end of the hike. A bit too exposed for us cave trolls.
After our hike, lunch was enjoyed at Chak Balam Mexican Restaurant in Torrey, UT. We were the only guests when we arrived and were seated, and order taken within a few minutes. We ordered the same, one shrimp and one fish taco.
The fish was fabulous, the shrimp had more flavor and style to it than El Mexicano. We were in and out of this place in under 25 minutes. It was an awesome quick meal but they also had heartier meals and drinks.
Torrey and Capitol Reef National Park holds a special place in our hearts and continues to show us tranquil evenings, calm mornings, and a place to listen to thoughts and rest.
Here is a breakdown of our expenses on this trip:
Accommodations – $273.71
Gasoline – $86.35
Food and Drinks – $236.14
Passes – $20
Total Expenses – $616.20
