Centers around the ruins of an ancestral Puebloan
History of Anasazi State Park
Two geologic marvels.
Capitol Reef National Park is a unique geological wonder in the heart of Utah’s Color Country. Located in south-central Utah, Capitol Reef is home to one of the most impressive geologic monoclines found anywhere in the world. A monocline is a bend or flexure in horizontal beds that form due to crustal displacement from an ancient mountain-building force. The upthrust of the earth’s crust created a rugged landscape that includes cliffs, canyons, mesas and buttes.
The rocks in Capitol Reef National Park provide evidence of 590 million years of geologic history. At the base of the cliff is the Waterpocket Fold, which contains layers of ancient sandstone, limestone and shale. These rocks were formed in a shallow sea that covered the area more than 270 million years ago. On top of this layer is the much younger Navajo sandstone laid down roughly 200 million years ago during the Jurassic period.
The rocks in Capitol Reef National Park provide evidence of 590 million years of geologic history. At the base of the cliff is the Waterpocket Fold, which contains layers of ancient sandstone, limestone and shale. These rocks were formed in a shallow sea that covered the area more than 270 million years ago. On top of this layer is the much younger Navajo sandstone laid down roughly 200 million years ago during the Jurassic period.
Waterpocket Fold
Discover the captivating wonder of Capitol Reef National Park through the extraordinary feature known as the Waterpocket Fold. This nearly 100-mile-long warp in the Earth's crust, known as a monocline, offers a spectacular step-up in the rock layers. Formed between 50 and 70 million years ago during the Laramide Orogeny, a significant mountain-building event in western North America, the Waterpocket Fold came to be when a buried fault was reactivated in this region. The movement along the fault caused the west side to shift upwards, resulting in a striking monocline. The west side of the fold has been uplifted over 7,000 feet higher than the east side.
Over time, as the Colorado Plateau experienced uplift and erosion, the Waterpocket Fold was exposed to the surface within the last 15 to 20 million years. The name "Waterpocket Fold" embodies the ongoing erosion of the rock layers. These layers showcase the creation of "waterpockets," small depressions formed by water erosion in the sandstone layers abundant throughout Capitol Reef's fold. Today, the tilted rock layers continue to erode, giving rise to vibrant cliffs, grand domes, towering spires, striking monoliths, winding canyons, and elegant arches. Embark on an adventure through this remarkable landscape and witness the dynamic evolution of nature's artistry.
Over time, as the Colorado Plateau experienced uplift and erosion, the Waterpocket Fold was exposed to the surface within the last 15 to 20 million years. The name "Waterpocket Fold" embodies the ongoing erosion of the rock layers. These layers showcase the creation of "waterpockets," small depressions formed by water erosion in the sandstone layers abundant throughout Capitol Reef's fold. Today, the tilted rock layers continue to erode, giving rise to vibrant cliffs, grand domes, towering spires, striking monoliths, winding canyons, and elegant arches. Embark on an adventure through this remarkable landscape and witness the dynamic evolution of nature's artistry.
Cathedral Valley
Experience the captivating landscape of Cathedral Valley in Thousand Lake Mountain, where the Waterpocket Fold gently fades away. Here, the rock layers showcase a subtle incline of three to five degrees towards the east, seemingly lying flat.
This unique valley has been shaped by powerful erosion, sculpting magnificent standalone monoliths known as temples. These awe-inspiring formations are made of the soft, reddish-orange Entrada Sandstone, originally deposited as sandy mud on a tidal flat. Some cathedrals are adorned with a thin layer of tough, greenish-gray marine sandstone called the Curtis Formation.
In addition to the Entrada Sandstone temples, Cathedral Valley offers a glimpse into other fascinating geological processes. The dissolving of gypsum, a soluble mineral from the underlying Carmel Formation, has resulted in the formation of Glass Mountain and the Gypsum Sinkhole. Glass Mountain stands as an exposed plug of gypsum. At the same time, the Gypsum Sinkhole is a testament to a dissolved gypsum deposit.
Furthermore, Upper Cathedral Valley reveals the remnants of volcanic activity three to six million years ago. Dikes, sills, and small volcanic plugs known as volcanic features can be found here, showcasing the dynamic history of this remarkable landscape.
This unique valley has been shaped by powerful erosion, sculpting magnificent standalone monoliths known as temples. These awe-inspiring formations are made of the soft, reddish-orange Entrada Sandstone, originally deposited as sandy mud on a tidal flat. Some cathedrals are adorned with a thin layer of tough, greenish-gray marine sandstone called the Curtis Formation.
In addition to the Entrada Sandstone temples, Cathedral Valley offers a glimpse into other fascinating geological processes. The dissolving of gypsum, a soluble mineral from the underlying Carmel Formation, has resulted in the formation of Glass Mountain and the Gypsum Sinkhole. Glass Mountain stands as an exposed plug of gypsum. At the same time, the Gypsum Sinkhole is a testament to a dissolved gypsum deposit.
Furthermore, Upper Cathedral Valley reveals the remnants of volcanic activity three to six million years ago. Dikes, sills, and small volcanic plugs known as volcanic features can be found here, showcasing the dynamic history of this remarkable landscape.
Uplift
Thousands of years ago, powerful plate tectonic forces caused the entire region to rise vertically, transforming the landscape. While most of the plateau retains its distinctive "layer cake" appearance with horizontal rock layers, Capitol Reef stands out as a magnificent anomaly. Explore the unique formation known as the Waterpocket Fold and delve into the geological wonders of this exceptional natural phenomenon.
Erosion
Today's breathtaking landscape was sculpted through millions of years of erosion. It all began with the uplift of the Colorado Plateau about 20 million years ago. However, most canyon cutting, which created the magnificent canyons we know today, occurred between one and six million years ago.
Despite the desert climate, water is the primary force behind this remarkable landscape carving. The relentless pull of gravity also plays a significant role, shaping the cliff lines through rock falls and creep. Watch for flash floods, a thrilling showcase of geology as sediment is carried downstream. What is eroded from the park eventually finds its new resting place elsewhere. Wind, on the other hand, has a minimal impact on erosion here.
The stunning landforms we encounter result from the diverse responses of different rock layers to erosion forces. Hard sandstone layers, such as the striking red Wingate and the pristine white Navajo Sandstones, form majestic cliffs that occasionally exhibit fascinating weathering patterns, like tafoni. Alternatively, softer mudstone layers, like the Chinle Formation, give rise to gentle slopes and low hills. In certain areas, the seemingly barren slopes owe their appearance, in part, to the presence of bentonitic clays, which create an inhospitable environment for plants.
Despite the desert climate, water is the primary force behind this remarkable landscape carving. The relentless pull of gravity also plays a significant role, shaping the cliff lines through rock falls and creep. Watch for flash floods, a thrilling showcase of geology as sediment is carried downstream. What is eroded from the park eventually finds its new resting place elsewhere. Wind, on the other hand, has a minimal impact on erosion here.
The stunning landforms we encounter result from the diverse responses of different rock layers to erosion forces. Hard sandstone layers, such as the striking red Wingate and the pristine white Navajo Sandstones, form majestic cliffs that occasionally exhibit fascinating weathering patterns, like tafoni. Alternatively, softer mudstone layers, like the Chinle Formation, give rise to gentle slopes and low hills. In certain areas, the seemingly barren slopes owe their appearance, in part, to the presence of bentonitic clays, which create an inhospitable environment for plants.
Anasazi
Anasazi
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Antelope Island
Antelope Island
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Antelope Canyon
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Bear Lake
Bear Lake
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Camp Floyd
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Coral Pink Sand Dunes
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Dead Horse Point
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East Canyon
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Echo
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Edge of the Cedars
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Escalante Petrified Forest
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Flight Park
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The Great Salt Lake
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