This stop was an unexpected find that both intrigued us and educated us about Utah history and geology. The area was discovered by a Mormon family seeking isolation and a fresh start from a larger group located near Zion. It was so named because the rock formations reminded them of an ocean reef and one formation looks surprisingly like the Capitol Building in DC. A river runs through the area – it eventually flows to Colorado River and helped with irrigation but it was a hard place make a living. One admires these families who struggled to subsist here and have also left a legacy of environmental protection.
The Capitol Rock
The Castle
A river winds through mirroring the park road.
Parks that offer driving tours are great as you can cover a lot of territory, see more and decide what you want to spend more time on. We drove through the park and then back again then we stopped to admire particular formations that attracted our attention. The farm still operates with its orchards and berry bushes and they sell pies, jellies and jams at one of the remaining homes. We can attest to the delicious berry preserves!
Wildlife abounds here – we saw mule deer, bighorn sheep and many different kinds of birds.
This park is proof that some of the less well known spots are worthy of attention and should not be missed. Some of our group skipped it and regretted that when they saw our photos. We try to take advantage of suggestions from people and have not regretted any yet. Be open to new places and you will not be disappointed.
Team Amirault's Travel Blog 