Wednesday, September 28th, 2022
My travels next took me to the southwest towards Bryce Canyon. I chose to follow Utah Scenic Highway 12, which passes through Capitol Reef National Park. One of the most popular campgrounds in the region is in the Fruita Historic District, nestled between the canyon walls of the National Park. It is very hard to get a reservation there, but I managed a single night mid-week.
The history of Fruita is not long. This area of the west was one of the last charted and that was not until 1872. The little community began in the early 1900s and was based on small farm irrigation of the Fremont River. The site was first named Junction and was known as “the Eden of Wayne County”. The population never exceeded 10 families. Mail for the area was delivered to the “Fremont Cottonwood Tree”. It still stands in the picnic area today.
The town became widely known in the area for its productive orchards. Today the Historic District is still known for its fruit and a popular activity is to line up each day at the Gifford House for their excellent pies. Most of the structures from the early days are gone, but the schoolhouse, Gifford House and its barn were restored. The orchards are now managed by the National Park Service and dominate the landscape.
I set up my trailer, and headed for the pie, as the Gifford House was in view of my campsite. I purchase apple and peach, despite my no sugar diet. They were very tasty. I walked off the sugar buzz with a 2.6 mile round trip hike to the park Visitor Center.
Along the trail were a number of warning signs depicting a Mountain Lion. Apparently there had been a number of sightings in the area over the summer, and solo hiking was discouraged. It was no surprise then to see Mule Deer grazing and resting right within the campground loop that evening.
Starting All Over 