We left Kanab, Utah and made our way north to Torrey, Utah to visit Capital Reef National Park. The park’s defining geological characteristic is a wrinkle in the Earth’s crust known as the Waterpocket Fold.
Capital Reef features some short hikes and an 8 mile scenic drive that seemed like a nice option on a cold and windy day.
The scenic drive let’s visitors easily access many of the parks natural wonders.
The paved scenic drive ends with a dirt road that takes you back into Capital Gorge.
From 600 to 1300 C. E., indigenous people of the Fremont culture occupied Capitol Reef. Evidence of their presence can be seen in the petroglyphs they left behind.
The next day the temperatures rose a bit and the wind calmed so we headed out for to hike the Cohab Canyon Trail.
The trail winds along the top of a mesa to a view of the valley below.
We continued north to Vernal Utah which is a few miles from the entrance of Dinosaur National Monument. This park has been on our to do list for the past three years and we were finally able to work it into a trip.
The park includes one of the richest dinosaur fossil records on Earth. The Quarry Visitors Center is built around a wall of exposed dinosaur fossils.
In addition to fossils, the monument also offers some great hiking. We chose the three mile Sound of Silence trail. As advertised this trail offers one of the quietest hikes in the monument.
Dry Creek Canyon is located near Vernal and is home to the McConkie Ranch Petroglyphs. The trail stretches for about 3/4 of a mile along the cliffs above the ranch.
On a cold windy day we drove up to the Flaming Gorge Recreation Area to checkout the views. We weren’t disappointed.
From Vernal we headed East into Colorado and Grand Junction, home to the Colorado National Monument. The monument features the 23 mile Rim Rock Drive that takes you to the top of the Colorado Plateau for stunning views of canyons and rock formations.
It’s been a great trip but it’s time to head East and home. Of course we’ll stop in Chicago for a visit with the grandkids before we end our travels. Thanks to those of you who’ve been following along and made the occasional comment (we enjoy hearing from you). This is our last post until we head out on the highway in the fall.
Tincan Travels 
Thanks so much for all the wonderful photos. You guys lead such an adventurous life. Keep it coming. Bruce & Loretta
LikeLike
I really want to go to see the dinosaur bones. Did you hear about this recent discovery?
Looking forward to seeing you both, safe travels.
LikeLike
That was pretty cool. Looking forward to being back on the block again.
LikeLike
Geez Louise! You guys picked a great last stop for this trip. Thank you for sharing our great country and your spot on commentary.
LikeLike
Capital Reef is on my ‘favs’ list. We have had our share of snow along the way as well – not on my ‘favs’ list!! Have fun back east – hopefully we will catch up with you in the fall!
LikeLike
Great photos, as usual. I like Shelly’s “stache”!
LikeLike
Great photos as always! We will welcome you home, another Porch Fest coming soon, May 21st if you are here!
Take care and safe travels! See you soon, “spring has finally sprung”, well, at least by next week anyway. Flowers and trees are flowering, but he temp has yet to catch up! Sun is shining though!
Joanne
LikeLike
Enjoyed traveling with you through great pictures. Thank you. Looking forward to the next chapter.
LikeLike
Always enjoy your photographs and stories. Travel safe, hope to see you both soon
LikeLike
BEAUTIFUL PHOTOS. we always enjoy your blog…and the views and info and special comments and can’t wait to see you…safe travels…Buffalo and Branchport miss you..Love P&T
LikeLike
Beautiful pictures, Thank you
Sent from my iPhone
>
LikeLike
I’ve got to catch up on a few posts that I missed, but I’ve loved “traveling” with both of you. Looking at your gorgeous pictures always leaves me with a smile on my face! Happy travels home, enjoy your family, and hope to hook up with you again this summer. Love, Belle
LikeLike