The natural and cultural heritage of Capitol Reef National Park becomes visible through its towering cliffs which surround its hidden canyons and stone carvings. The park trails show natural and cultural treasures to visitors who follow the trails which pass through desert landscapes and display ancient rock etchings that show the previous inhabitants of the area. Every visitor at the park must help defend its natural beauty and historical sites because these attractions will stay available for upcoming generations. The following steps will enable you to preserve both Happy Trails and Happy Reef.
Stay on Designated Trails
People who want to find perfect photo spots or take easy paths tend to abandon marked trails which creates lasting damage to the environment. The desert soil in this region supports living cryptobiotic crust which includes cyanobacteria and moss and lichen that functions as a protective barrier against erosion while enabling plant growth. A single human footprint has the ability to completely destroy all the development which multiple decades have produced. The protection of this sensitive soil requires visitors to stay on designated trails.
Respect Cultural Treasures
The Fremont people created outstanding petroglyph panels throughout Capitol Reef National Park which date back to around 1000 years ago. The park contains multiple priceless cultural sites which have become victims of present-day vandalism and graffiti destruction. All rock surfaces need to stay untouched because any form of carving or scratching or writing on them is completely forbidden. Take photographs of the sites because you want to protect them from damage while keeping their historical stories available for upcoming visitors.
Pet owners must collect their pet waste when walking their animals in designated park areas.
The park permits pets to enter designated areas which include developed campsites and paved walking paths. Pet owners must keep their animals on leashes when visiting these areas while they must also take away all pet waste. Pet waste that enters desert ecosystems leads to bacterial contamination which breaks down the natural balance of these ecosystems.
Pack It In, Pack It Out
The backcountry section of the park does not have any facilities for waste disposal or trash cans. All items which enter the wilderness need to be taken out of the area including food packaging and equipment containers and human waste. The complete untraceable departure becomes possible through the use of portable toilet systems together with WAG bags. Your trash removal from the wilderness area protects wildlife because it prevents dangerous encounters with human food and waste while keeping wild areas clean.
A Shared Responsibility
Every visitor who hikes or camps or travels through Capitol Reef National Park contributes to its continuous growth. The preservation of these trails requires all of us to maintain respectful behavior while we protect both natural environments and cultural landmarks and human connections.
Your hiking experience will create a positive impact on the Reef when you follow the path of Happy Trails. Our joint work will protect the natural beauty and historical value and wild character of this park which will remain available for upcoming generations.
Keep Capitol Reef Country Forever Mighty
What is Forever Mighty? It’s practicing responsible travel while visiting Utah and Capitol Reef Country by following the principles of Tread Lightly and Leave No Trace.
Plan ahead and prepare, travel and camp on durable surfaces, dispose of waste properly, leave what you find, minimize campfire impacts, respect wildlife, be considerate of others, support local business and honor community, history and heritage. Help us keep Utah and Capitol Reef Country’s outdoor recreation areas beautiful, healthy, and accessible.
Plan ahead and prepare, travel and camp on durable surfaces, dispose of waste properly, leave what you find, minimize campfire impacts, respect wildlife, be considerate of others, support local business and honor community, history and heritage. Help us keep Utah and Capitol Reef Country’s outdoor recreation areas beautiful, healthy, and accessible.