Capitol Reef

Declared in 1971, Capitol Reef protects the Waterpocket Fold, a geological fold nearly 160 km long formed some 65 million years ago, whose rock barrier reminded the first Mormon settlers of an impassable reef — hence the name. In the historic district of Fruita, inside the park itself, those settlers planted apple, peach and apricot orchards in the late 19th century which the National Park Service still tends and harvests today, letting visitors pick the fruit in season.