Southern Utah has 5 national parks and numerous national monuments. Capital Reef is only 114 miles from Bryce but takes longer than expected, in fact it is almost impossible to get there for all the roadside overlooks. Designated one of America's most beautiful Scenic Byways, Highway 12 winds and climbs through the magnificent rock landscape of Grand Staircase National Monument. Varying colors and textures of rock spread out as far as the eye can see, covering nearly 1.9 million acres.

Unlike Bryce Canyon, Capital Reef exposes her unbelievable landscapes long before you reach the park entrance. Our favorite national park campground so far, the campground is surrounded by peach, apple, apricot, pear and plum trees. Sitting here in the valley floor you view muti hued rock walls rising in all direction

Every park we have visited has wonderful groomed hiking trails that take your breath away, in more ways than one. Even a 400 foot elevation change can be a challenge for us old folks when you start at 6000+ feet to begin with. The air is thin and many people experience altitude sickness. The extra effort is extra rewarding, pictures cannot do justice but I snap away in hopes to lure you to visit these wonderful parks. Check out the photo gallery.

We spent the nights and enjoyed the company of new RVers Barbara and Chuck, friends we meet in the Caribbean. We hiked, picked apples, played cards and enjoyed a few meals complete with fresh apple pie.