Goblins and Capitol Reef National Park

The morning after the sand cleared, we entered one of nature's coolest playgrounds. Goblin Valley State Park is landscape of funky looking sandstone formations that look like little goblins/gargoyles. Most exciting for kids of all ages as that you are allowed to climb on all of them. All 3,600 acres! We were able to burn quite a bit of energy jumping and climbing, so we set off for Capitol Reef National Park.

Our hike on the Hickman Bridge Trail in Capitol Reef included views of Capitol Dome (so named because it reminded the original visitors of our nation's capitol building), Hickman Bridge, and Fremont tribal ruins and petroglyphs. By the way, an arch is formed by wind erosion, but a natural bridge is formed by water erosion. The Hickman Bridge is the largest natural bridge in North America, if we remember our facts correctly. It was hefty enough to provide a nice shady spot for our mid-hike snack break - necessary when hiking with 6 kids!