Welcome to the Capitol Reef National Park Visitor Center, a gateway into one of Utah’s most stunning natural and historical landscapes. The story of Capitol Reef is a tale of geological wonder and human tenacity, beginning millions of years ago with the formation of the Waterpocket Fold, a striking geological monocline that stretches for over 150 kilometers. This fold is the park’s namesake, with its white Navajo Sandstone domes reminiscent of the United States Capitol building.
The history of human settlement in this area begins with the Fremont culture, who lived here around 1,000 years ago. They were skilled farmers who cultivated maize and squash, using the fertile banks of the Fremont River for their crops. The remnants of their stone granaries and petroglyphs etched into canyon walls offer a glimpse into their daily lives and enduring legacy.
Fast forward to the late 19th century, the first non-native settlers established the community of Fruita around 1900. These pioneers, predominantly Mormon, harnessed the river’s waters to irrigate orchards, planting fruit trees that still bear fruit today. Fruita became renowned for its lush orchards, a vital part of the area’s agricultural history.
Capitol Reef’s journey to becoming a national park began in the 1920s, thanks to the efforts of local boosters like Ephraim Pectol and Joseph S. Hickman. They campaigned tirelessly to protect this ‘Wayne Wonderland’ and shared its beauty through photographs and stories. Their dedication bore fruit in 1937 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt designated it as Capitol Reef National Monument.
Over the years, increased interest and improved access, particularly through the construction of State Route 24, helped transform the area into a treasured national park. In 1971, Capitol Reef National Park was officially established, preserving over 241,904 acres of stunning desert landscape.
The Visitor Center, designed by architect Cecil Doty, was completed in 1965 during the Mission 66 initiative, which aimed to enhance park facilities nationwide. Today, it serves as an essential hub for visitors, offering educational exhibits and ranger-led programs that delve into the park’s geological and cultural history.
