Moderate, 2.55 mi loop

499 ft elevation gain

Hiked 12/26/23

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A relatively easy hike with a couple moderate hill climbs, this trail is positively littered with pieces of petrified wood. Subdued colors at first, once you get to the Sleeping Rainbow section they become more prominently red and yellow. Sizes range from small fragments up to boulder sized stumps.

Two large stumps of petrified wood that exhibit strong coloration throughout, in the typical yellow mustard and crimson red seen around this area.

A view along the rounded cliff wall into the valley below and nearby hillsides.

A view of the sunset on the other side of the half frozen pond, with flying geese and some standing on the ice. Clouds over a silhouetted hillside reflect in pink and yellow, reminiscent of the coloration of the area's petrified wood.

Hard, 10.47 mi out and back (w spur to Fruita Overlooks)

3,012 ft elevation gain

Hiked 12/24/23

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(Waterpocket Fold Info](https://www.nps.gov/care/learn/nature/geology.htm) on NPS site.

The Frying Pan trail begins at the central Fruita Orchard area and connects to Cassidy Arch/Grand Wash area, passing through canyons and crossing the waterpocket fold. It showcases various geologic formations before taking you to the large arch situated 400 ft above a canyon floor. Full sun exposure, so be prepared.

A shorter and milder hike to Cassidy Arch may also be found at a different starting location, although I have not hiked it. Hoping to do that hike along with The Narrows and some others in the Grand Wash area of the park in the future.

Cassidy Arch (named for Butch Cassidy who allegedly used the canyon as a hideout) and its surrounding plateau, with the various formations of the upper Capital Reef seen in the distance.

A view showcasing some of the distinct ways that erosion has shaped the landscape at Capital Reef. Up close are various terraced boulders and in the distance a tall rock structure that has long, vertical erosion taking place. To the left appears to be a dome of some sort, although it may just have eroded into a vaguely dome shape.

Climbing back up the trail after descending along the edge of the wash, steps along the right of frame have been notched into the red sandstone. Various boulders may be seen leading into shrublands in the lower area to the left.

No way was I moving. He got in from the passenger (left) side.

Easy, 0.7-1.75 mi out and back

36 ft elevation gain (I wandered it up to about 700 ft)

Hiked 12/23/23

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A short hike filled with panoramic views of the vibrant cliff walls located within Capital Reef NP, which get lit up by the setting sun. Trail has ample areas to extend hike, incl. heading over to Goosenecks overlook with its steel scaffolding and stairs for views of the deep canyon below.

Looking down into the steep canyon near Sunset Point, the soon to set sun no longer lighting up the valley below. Incredibly strong winds were blasting up from the canyon below in this winter location.

The moon rises over a tall rock wall seen from Sunset Point, with green branches in the lower right corner of frame.

Looking east at sunset towards a large red rock structure with a trail leading around it. Behind it on all sides are various cliff walls showcasing some of the color variation seen at Capital Reef National Park. A glow along the horizon is also visible due to the setting sun.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/37544387

Taken on the Belize Barrier Reef.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAtSXg0dDk0 is a video of the dive for anyone interested.

Easy to moderate, ~1 mi walkabout

~66 ft elevation gain

Hiked 12/23/23

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A short walk among a field of hoodoos, or 'goblins,' with no defined trail so you may choose your own adventure! Hike allows you to get up close to a large assortment of hoodoos and is great for just wandering around in awe of the structures. Various large pillars may be seen surrounding the field.

A huge rock pillar may be seen rising above the empty desert, with large hills of eroded rock at the base, under a blue sky with thick clouds in the distance.

Looking back over the hoodoos towards the parking area with a massive rock slab rising up in the distant center. A couple of hikers may be seen walking among the 'goblins' to the right.

A field of hoodoos gives way to a larger structure of rock that is turning into more hoodoos. This is finally backed to the distant right by a large rock structure that one day will erode into what lays before it.