Torrey Weekend Getaway
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Hickman Bridge, Capitol Reef National Park
This past weekend my family and I had the pleasure of driving down to Torrey, UT to hold an open house in a sweet cabin I have listed there. Torrey is known as the Gateway to Capitol Reef National Park. In the words of the National Park Service, Capitol Reef is “located in south-central Utah in the heart of red rock country … a hidden treasure filled with cliffs, canyons, domes and bridges in the Waterpocket Fold, a geologic monocline (a wrinkle on the earth) extending almost 100 miles. In my words, it’s a stately, majestic, awe-inspiring, and fun.
When I put this cabin on the market I didn’t know much about this part of Utah. I’m so glad I’ve had the chance to learn about and visit this area. It is truly a treasure - a great place for a primary or secondary home.
A buck that came to visit one evening. Torrey, UT
We left for Torrey Friday evening. It’s about a 3 ½ hour drive. As we drove along Highway 24 we saw so many deer with their fawns and bunnies everywhere. It was so much fun for, not only my three-year-old, but for me and my husband as well. Torrey even had a warm welcome for us – as we pulled into the city limits a mother doe with her twin fawns crossed in front of us to say hello. It was like a reminder we were out of the city and could slow down for the weekend.
You might think that there isn’t much to do in a town of less than 200 people. And while it isn’t the bustling metropolis (wink, wink) I’m used to, there were definitely more options than I expected. We were there during the Wayne County Fair and Demolition Derby. There was also a Farmer’s Market complete with a trio of banjo players on Saturday. There are many places to eat too – a steakhouse, burger joint, coffee shops and numerous cafes.
Panorama from Hickman Bridge, Capitol Reef National Park
We decided to spend most of our free time in Capitol Reef National Park. On Saturday afternoon and evening we drove into the park to explore. Even before you get to the park (a mere 10 miles from Torrey) the sweeping vistas overwhelm you. The beauty is breath taking. I am not great at describing so I’ll let all these pictures speak for me. We stopped at a few overlook areas and took “mini” hikes and pictures. We saw even more deer here. Some lizards too. While there a thunderstorm rolled in and made everything that much more striking. It cooled it down a bit too. August in the high desert is never too cool when the sun is up.
There are petroglyphs up there. You'll just have to trust me. Capitol Reef National Park
Many of the places we stopped had historical significance as well – from old pioneer homes to one-room schoolhouses to petroglyphs high up on the mountains – there was so much to learn.
We came back to the Park on Sunday and hiked up to Hickman Bridge – a 133-foot natural bridge. It was a moderate, but short hike (two miles round trip) with some steeper areas with rock stairs, but one my 3½ year old did without much complaining at all. The views the entire way were amazing and there were enough caves, pools, lizards, and chipmunks along the way to keep us all entertained. The bridge itself was massive and beautiful. The trail loops under and around the backside of the bridge and as you come out behind it the panoramas are awe-inspiring. Definitely bring a wide-angle lens. It was pretty unshaded most of the way so I recommend taking lots of water too.
Hickman Bridge, Capitol Reef National Park
After the hike we stopped in at the Gifford House Museum and Store where we purchased cinnamon rolls the size of our heads and ate those in the shade of the orchard tree. The Gifford house also has pioneer memorabilia, ice cream, homemade mini pies and other local treats. It was a great reward after hot climb.
From there we made our way back home. It was a great time of relaxation and fun for all of us – a photographer, a 3-year old animal lover, and a history nerd.
If you are looking to move away from the city or for a home-away-from-home, Torrey is a great option. And I’ve got a little cabin all ready for you.