CAPITOL REEF NATIONAL PARK - EAT PIE FOR BREAKFAST

When visiting Capitol Reef, it is customary for a ranger to try and convince you to eat pie for breakfast. When I waltzed up to the counter at the visitor center, it was clear that baked goods were as almost as important as the region’s natural bridges and slot canyons.

“It’s got fruit in it” was the ranger’s indisputable logic, when I initially balked at eating a dessert at 9 A.M. With an argument like that, how could I resist? I set off for the Gifford Homestead in the park’s historic Fruita district, where I ordered the berry crumble. I have no regrets.

Fruita was established in 1880 by a group of Mormons led by Nels Johnson, under the name Junction. The town became known as Fruita in 1902 or 1904. In 1900, Fruita was named The Eden of Wayne County for its large orchards. Fruita was abandoned in 1955 when the National Park Service purchased the town to be included in Capitol Reef National Park.

THE GIFFORD HOMESTEAD ESTABLISHED IN 1908.

FERTILE LAND BECAUSE OF THE FREEMONT RIVER

HIKED TO HICKMAN BRIDGE ARCH - simply impressive!!!!

IN THIS CABIN THE BEHUNIN FAMILY OF 13 LIVED FOR ABOUT ONE YEAR (1883-1884), BEFORE CONTINUING TO FRUITA.