Escalante, UT - Deer Creek Campground to Capitol Reef National Park

It was cold last night, think it dropped into the 30's.  A nice morning fire and a hot cup of coffee helps.

Chef Gary savors his breakfast

 and we are back on the road to Capital Reef National Park via 12

 A deer  crossed the road in front of us

It is an uphill trip and many overlooks to the Valley below

We get to the Summit

Just below is a US Forest Visitor's Center where we stop for some maps and info

then more views

 Looks like Capitol Reef in the distance

 getting closer

 Now the colors are popping

Limited time so we do the 10 mile scenic drive

 Slick Rock Divide

 The Grand Wash

 Watch out for falling rocks!

 
 How much narrower can it get?

and the end of the line, unless we want to take one of the dirt roads from here.  Gary has had enough dirt roads.

 So we head back

 We swing through the Campground which is Full - campers are on every other site.  This Deer likes that.

 Didn't spot any Marmots

 The Northern portion of the Park is in the Town of Fruita - obviously named for the many orchards around

Before heading back we go another mile or so down 24 

to see the Petroglyph Panel

 a walk down a boardwalk leads to more

 

 Homeward bound 

 back over and down the mountain

past some interesting sculptures in Boulder

 and the Grand Escalante Staircase NM

 Another great day.  Time to plan for next week!