Capitol Reef Nat'l Park hikes 9/22/08 (at 5500')

On Monday morning, Jimmy and I walked the petroglyph boardwalk and snapped a few photos of these amazing sights.

After the boardwalk, we next tackled the 4-mile Cohab Canyon Trail, up-up-up a switch-back trail to a hidden canyon (so quiet and serene), with side slot canyons amid massive boulders and Utah juniper and piñon pine ... and then lots more zigzag back down to our camp! This very picturesque hike took quite a bit of effort, but it was so worth it!

That's our Tergel down there (on the left)!

After lunch we wanted to see Hickman Bridge, one of Capitol Reef's highlights, so we set off on a 2-mile moderate trail which led us to the large, elegant natural bridge or arch. The trail isn't particularly long or steep, but it has lots of ups and downs.  It was a spectacularly scenic trek every step of the way – check out the photos!

Each hike was a wonder in itself.  I guess we must be getting used to exercising in these higher altitudes, as we were happily tuckered out by day’s end, but not "ruint" (as my sister would say).

We really enjoyed our stay in Capitol Reef.  We ate our meals and enjoyed afternoon coffee at the picnic table surrounded by chirping birds and silent mule deer.  While Capitol Reef hadn't even been on our agenda, we really hated to leave this remarkable place!  Maybe some day we'll return.  I'd like that.