In south central Utah, Highway 24 passes through Capitol Reef National Park. There is no fee to enter the park. The park was established to protect the Waterpocket Fold, a 100 mile long wrinkle in the Earth's crust. Many visitors see the park only from Highway 24, or they take the nine mile Scenic Drive, a paved road which turns south off the main highway. Both roads are scenic.

Failing to get off the pavement, you won't see much of the Waterpocket Fold and you'll miss a lot of what Capitol Reef has to offer. There are two loop trips I'd recommend if you have a vehicle suitable for dirt roads and a day or more to spend on each loop. One is to the north and the other to the south of Highway 24. This gallery features photos from both trips. Please click the thumbnails to view the photos and descriptions.