Another amazing park located in Southern Utah is Capitol Reef National Park. FDR designated Capitol Reef as a national monument in 1937 and a national park in 1971. Naming Capitol Reef arose from the Navajo Sandstone which caps many of the geologic structures, much like the domes of many capitol buildings. Reef refers to the land barrier formed by the rugged terrain, drawing reference to coral reefs which inhibit sea travel. Another park feature entails the Native American petroglyphs located along the Fremont River. Utah’s Scenic Byway 24 provides easy access to Capitol Reef National Park which highlights the rugged Waterpocket Fold.
