Where is the Waterpocket Fold?
The Waterpocket Fold is a geologic landform that extends from southern Wayne through Garfield and ending in northern Kane counties of southern Utah, United States. The geologic structure, formed during the Laramide orogeny, is a south-southeast trending fold in which the east side is dropped relative to the west side.
How do you see the Waterpocket Fold in Capitol Reef?
To see the Fold up close, start with a drive on Scenic Highway 24. Running through the heart of Capitol Reef, this road is the only paved option for crossing the rough and rugged terrain of the Waterpocket Fold. The Nortom-Bullfrog Road runs parallel to the Waterpocket Fold.
How long is Capitol Reef Scenic Drive?
7.9 mile
The Scenic Drive is a 7.9 mile (12.7 km) paved road, suitable for passenger vehicles. Allot about an hour and half roundtrip to drive the Scenic Drive and the two dirt spur roads, Grand Wash and Capitol Gorge.
How long is the Capitol Gorge trail?
4.8 miles
Capitol Gorge Trailhead
| Round-Trip Length: | 4.8 miles (distance will vary by route | add .5 miles roundtrip to The Tanks) |
|---|---|
| Start-End Elevation: | 5,415′ – 5,232′ (5,415′ max elevation gain) |
| Elevation Change: | -183′ net elevation loss (+211′ net elevation gain) |
| Skill Level: | Easy-Moderate |
| Dogs Allowed: | No |
How did the Waterpocket Fold form?
A nearly 100-mile long warp in the Earth’s crust, the Waterpocket Fold is a classic monocline, a “step-up” in the rock layers. It formed between 50 and 70 million years ago when a major mountain building event in western North America, the Laramide Orogeny, reactivated an ancient buried fault in this region.
How long is the Waterpocket Fold?
nearly 100 miles
Capitol Reef – The Waterpocket Fold This wrinkle in the earth’s surface extends for nearly 100 miles, creating a dramatic landscape of rugged cliffs and canyons, striking natural bridges and arches, and distinct formations in the heart of red rock country.
How much time do you need at Capitol Reef?
If you want to visit the highlights of Capitol Reef and spend some time venturing into the backcountry, you will need at least three days in Capitol Reef. With one day in Capitol Reef, you can explore the sights along Highway 24, drive Capitol Reef Scenic Drive, and do one or two hikes.
How long is Hickman Bridge Trail?
The 1.8-mile round-trip walk to Hickman Bridge takes about 1.5 hours, the 4.6-mile round-trip hike to the Rim Overlook (on the Navajo Knobs trail) takes three to four hours, and the 9.4-mile round-trip hike to the Navajo Knobs takes six to eight hours.
How long is the Grand Wash Trail?
2.25 miles one
The Grand Wash Trail: The Grand Wash Trail is 2.25 miles one way with only a 200-foot elevation change. The easy, family-friendly hike offers lots of opportunities for kids (and grown-ups) to climb, scramble and explore—and it’s the trail you should hike if you only have time for one.
How was Capitol Reef National Park formed?
Capitol Reef National Park was established because of the scenic rock domes and narrow canyons found along the trace of the Waterpocket Fold. Indeed, the park boundaries were drawn to encompass most of the Fold.
How was the Waterpocket Fold formed?
Like most folds, the Waterpocket Fold was formed along an underlying fault; in this case during the Laramide Orogeny, a major mountain-forming event that occurred 50 to 70 million years ago.
Is there a road that runs parallel the Waterpocket Fold?
But Notom-Bullfrog Road is the only road that runs parallel to the Fold. It winds along the east side for more than 60 miles, giving great access to the scenic southern section of Capitol Reef National Park, plus views of the Henry Mountains. Read more about the Waterpocket Fold by clicking on the link.
What is there to do at the Waterpocket Fold?
The Post and Hall’s Creek Overlook are spur roads that lead to some more distinct and well-known features of the Waterpocket Fold, including Brimhall Natural Bridge. The most scenic section of the Waterpocket Fold is Capitol Reef, featuring massive white domes of Navajo sandstone, and craggy barrier cliffs, or reefs.
What is the Waterpocket Fold in Arizona known for?
The most scenic section of the Waterpocket Fold is Capitol Reef, featuring massive white domes of Navajo sandstone, and craggy barrier cliffs, or reefs. Cathedral Valley, at the northwestern boundary, is the lower end of the incline, highlighted by deep erosion and free-standing temple-like Entrada sandstone monoliths.