Capitol Reef National Park

Every spring we like to head south to enjoy the red rocks and the sun. This year we decided on Capitol Reef, it's a less visited park and just spectacular, plus, we haven't been there since James was a baby.

This year we went early enough that it didn't make a lot of sense to camp (it was COLD at night), but we found a really affordable hotel just down the road, and the kids did fabulously.

We left Friday and got to Capitol Reef by mid afternoon. The kids were so excited to get right to it, so we choose a short hike that was a little bit steep. We worried that we were possibly making a mistake but Juliet has turned into an incredible little hiker, and while slower than the rest of the group, happy to keep hiking and never complaining.

These photos aren't really in order, but they all tell the basic story. Beautiful days, blue skies, warm in the sun, cool in the shade and two extremely happy kids.

James has always been an incredible hiker, often out pacing all of us easily, but this bunny turned into a great hiker seemingly overnight. She LOVED it. She didn't want to stop, and kept telling us she was a good 'xplorer.

You really realize how small you are when in a place as huge as Capitol Reef (see James there on the right?).

Cohab Canyon is a must.

I got a selfie stick. Can you see how thrilled everyone is?

We'd never hiked to Hickman Bridge and absolutely loved it, after Cohab Canyon, it may be my favorite Capitol Reef hike.

Thank you nice stranger for taking our photo.

Any time there was a little side trail or rocks to climb on, this one was all over them. She couldn't get enough.

Grand Wash was lovely but cold! But the blue blue sky looked especially marvelous that day.

James loved hiking ahead so often we finally just gave him a radio. He kept calling it a "remote control" and felt so mature being in charge of it. His messages were darling, even if we only caught half of what he was saying. (Don't worry, there was an adult with him at all times!)

I think I bribed with with a candy for a smile here, because he thinks the selfie stick is ridiculous.

This boy of mine! Look at those freckles and eyes.

Happy the entire day through!

The view from our hotel room wasn't bad. Isn't that sunrise light beautiful?

More spots to explore.

Look! I was there. ;)

The rocks don't even look real when you're looking at them with your own two eyes.

He is really just such a happy hiker.

And the last stop before leaving was to the apricot orchards that were all in bloom!

The National Park kept the original pioneer orchards as part of the park, and they are just stunning.