Saturday, September 22, 2012

Torrey, Utah- September 18, 2012

We left Salt Lake City this morning and traveled 216 miles to Torrey, Utah.  Capitol Reef National Park is located in Torrey.  After getting into Thousand Lakes campground (we had called yesterday to reserve a site) and eating dinner we took off for the Park.  Both of us did not know what to expect in this park and we were awe struck.  The beautiful colorful rock formations are just amazing.  We stopped at the Visitor’s Center and watched a movie about the Park.  Then we started on the Scenic Drive stopping in Fruita at the Gifford homestead.  Fruita is a desert oasis among the cliffs that fruit trees produce well.  The Mormons developed this farming area.  The Gifford home was built in 1908 by polygamist Calvin Pendleton and the Giffords were the last family to live in the house.  In 1969 the house was sold to the National Park Service and the last family to live in Fruita moved.  Fruit trees remain in the area and fruit pies and other desserts can be purchased at the Visitor’s Center and at the Gifford homestead.  We did continue the 10 mile Scenic Drive taking pictures along the way.