Our first visit to Capitol Reef National Park

Scenic drive closed. Visitor center parking lot under rehab

Torrey Utah

This town was awesome, nearly every where you look stunning landscapes are visible. Lots of good food and a cute grocery Chuck wagon General store. I had yummy tacos at a food truck that was permanently located on the main street. We attended the farmers market hoping for many fresh vegetables, however we mostly encountered soaps, meats, eggs, and breads. We did not acquire anything at the market. We were hoping for more, visiting the market was a nice outing though as we got to see the locals. Donna and I were surprised at the attendance, it seemed to us that a high percentage of the visitors in town were at the market. We spent time walking around the town, visiting a gallery, grocery, church, and examining the local neighborhoods. The town had a few cafes all were wholesome and inviting. We had a few meals out while visiting, BBQ (at the RV Park), Mexican Food, Street Tacos, and breakfast.

Travel

We arrived on Thursday and departed Sunday morning. Arrival at the Thousand Lakes was easy, the store and staff were welcoming and our RV site was awesome. We had views of the local geology which were stunning, our site was spacious, and our neighbors were friendly and quiet. All and all was a great stay. I would recommend the park for anybody and would even consider it for a rally/caravan location/stop.

Food

Authentico Tacos
Yum tacos. I had all the meats, The barbacoa was my favorite with Al Pastor a close second. Donna says: “Ohh the Taco place, that was amazing”
Wild Rabbit cafe
Meh. It was OK. I had a half order of biscuits and gravy with scrambled eggs, Donna got some quiche. The quiche was good, the gravy lacked anything that stood out no sausage flavor, no spice, the biscuits were also run of the mill.
Chuck wagon General store
I liked this place. Lots of avocados, beer, and dry goods. We were sitting out front and the owners brought out water for our dogs. Chak Balam Mexican
The food was good, was strangely decorated, somebody clearly liked to hunt large game as taxidermy was present. The service was great, enjoyed having salsa, chips, and carne asada. I also like the rice. Donna enjoyed her enchiladas.

As a general disclaimer, I dislike being harsh to locally owned business, my intention is not to be extra critical. As a side note, I am particular. Donna and I both think putting accurate reviews of places we visit are important. I might be sightly more critical about the things I love. Please take our statements here as opinions, as that is what they are.

Coffee

Shooke Coffee I made another coffee vendor uncomfortable. On Sunday (departure day) we decided we would skip breakfast/coffee in the RV and try the local fare. We had noticed a local roaster while passing through town and the reviews online were good. I was excited to have coffee out at a place that clearly loved beans and would make a great cup. I entered the coffee roastery and started looking around, inspecting beans looking for smells and sights that would delight. The owner got really upset with me for handling his bags of coffee and smelling them. I felt a little weird so I described what I look for when I buy beans. I asked for a cup of coffee, the owner advised he does not make any coffee but the cafe next door would pour me some. Since I was not allowed to smell or view the beans that had been roasted, I asked Shawn(owner) if the cafe next door made coffee to his standards? (IE: Would I be trying the best of his fare?) The owners answer baffled me. He said “Well they were a cafe before I moved in, now they buy beans from me”. So I am now immensely confused, you have a store front making and selling beans but you are unwilling to let connoisseurs evaluate and taste your product in the best possible conditions. I did buy a cup of coffee from the cafe, it was coffee, it was not well crafted and lacked any real flavor. Sadly I decided to not buy any beans.

Camping

Thousand lakes RV Park

The campground had a BBQ restaurant on site. I could smell the meat smoking throughout the day and night. I had tri-tip. If you have been over to my house recently or attend one of the Monday night potlucks, you know that tri-tip is one of my favorites. I always try others preparation to help hone my own craft. The tri-tip was good, however I did not learn anything from my consumption.

I really think that if we were planning caravan or rally, we would stop in Torrey. We enjoyed the town and the services. The RV park offered many amenities that would be great for a caravan. I would like to return here with bicycle/RV friends.

Cycling

Donna and I have been riding, Captiol Reef was an excellent place to ride. Scenic byway 12 was enjoyable, although not always a bike lane/shoulder vehicle traffic was manageable. The views are incredible and temperatures enjoyable. We rode to a hike/slot canyon (Grand Wash) and saw many petroglyphs. Bike rides/Hikes

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Minny and Doowee

Minny and Doowee are doing great, Enjoying walks around town and the RV park. Doowee is feeling much better from his gastro challenges.

Capitol Reef