Capitol Reef National Park protects many natural wonders, including geologic formations, unusual plants and animals, and amazing dark night skies.![]() Water in the DesertWater shapes the landscape, gives life to plants and animals, and determines where people live and prosper. ![]() International Dark Sky ParkDiscover Capitol Reef's dark night skies. ![]() GeologyLearn about the geologic processes that created the Waterpocket Fold. ![]() FossilsLearn about the fossil record in Capitol Reef. ![]() Basalt BouldersDiscover how these volcanic rocks fit into the Capitol Reef geologic story. ![]() Biological Soil CrustProtect fragile biological soil crusts and "don't bust the crust!" ![]() WildlifeDiscover some of the wild animals that live in Capitol Reef. ![]() Research in Capitol ReefScientists monitor many aspects of Capitol Reef, including air and water quality, invasive species, and landscape dynamics. ![]() PlantsLearn about some of Capitol Reef's plant species. ![]() Species ListsFind the species lists for plants and animals found in Capitol Reef. ![]() Plants of the Northern Colorado PlateauA photo gallery of plants studied by the Northern Colorado Plateau Network. ![]() StromatolitesStromatolites are very ancient fossils found in the Navajo Sandstone. Capitol Reef National Park contains nearly a quarter million acres in Utah's slickrock country. The park protects a huge geologic feature, the Waterpocket Fold, a nearly 100-mile long warp in the Earth's crust. A diverse landscape with 19 different rock layers and elevations ranging from 3,880 ft (1183 m) to 8,960 ft (2731 m), supports a diverse array of plant and animal life, big and small. Biological soil crust is on the smaller side, containing a tiny ecosystem of cyanobacteria, fungi, lichen, moss and algae. These lumpy black crusts growing on undisturbed ground protect sandy desert soils from erosion. When visiting the park, stay on trail so as not to "bust the crust." Fast Facts
Explore BiodiversityHave you ever taken a picture of a flower, or lizard, or an unusual lichen? You can keep track of the biodiversity you see when you are in a national park, or wherever you go, with iNaturalist. Check out Capitol Reef’s iNaturalist project. Learn more about how you can help document the various life forms in our national parks. Explore Biodiversity in national park sites. |
![]() |
![]() |
Last updated: January 23, 2021