The Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile long wrinkle in the earth's crust known as a monocline, extends from nearby Thousand Lakes Mountain to the Colorado River (now Lake Powell). Capitol Reef National Park was established to protect this grand and colorful geologic feature, as well as the unique historical and cultural history found in the area. Best Western Torrey Utah.
Things to do in Torrey
Capitol Reef National Park
This 100-mile wrinkle in the earth's crust stretches across this part of Utah. Be sure to take the turn offs on the designated side roads for scenic overlooks.
Fremont River Valley
This is where one can see rock art, the legacy of ancient Fremont culture, etched into the walls of sandstone. The remnants of Fruita, an early pioneer settlement, contains large orchards where fruit still may be picked in season.
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
Recently designated as a huge National Monument, this 1.7 million-acre monument dominates much of Southern Utah. It is unique, as it is the first monument to be administered by the Bureau of Land Management rather than the National Park Service. The Monument's vast and austere landscape embraces a peculiar array of scientific and historic resources. The high, rugged and remote region is highlighted with bold plateaus and multi-hued cliffs that run for great distances. It is a geological formation spanning eons of time. Call 435-644-2672 for more information.
Waterpocket Fold
This 100 mile bulge in the earth's crust has been shaped and eroded into a variety of deep and narrow twisting canyons, massive domes, monoliths and spires of sandstone. Cathedral Valley, the backcountry section of the park, is accessible along dirt roads with high clearance of four-wheel drive vehicles.