Since 1937, the stunning landscapes that make up Capitol Reef have been federally protected, first as a national monument, and then as a national park in 1971. This federal protection helps to ensure that the unique features of the park will be preserved for future generations to enjoy. But the National Park Service can’t do this on their own.
As guests of our Capitol Reef resort, it’s up to you to do your part to make sure that your children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren also get to visit beautiful Torrey, Utah. If you plan to visit the park or make a day trip to other destinations like Arches National Park or Goblin Valley State Park, you’ll want to make sure that you’re following the rules and doing your part to preserve the natural habitats, landscapes, and cultural icons found there.
Planning a visit to Cougar Ridge? Keep reading to learn how to do your part to protect and preserve the park during your Capitol Reef resort stay.
A History of Preservation and The National Park Service
Stephen Mather became the first director of the National Park Service on August 25, 1916. That was the day that President Wilson signed the National Park Service Act, officially creating the National Park Service.
Just a couple of years earlier, Mather had visited Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks and found them to be in poor condition. He took it upon himself to begin to champion for preservation and development of the parks.
While Mather wanted to improve conditions in the parks, he also desperately wanted to share with others just how special the national parks were. He joined forces with the automobile industry, aiming to make it easier for everyday citizens and especially the middle class to visit and enjoy the parks.
Not only did he want others to enjoy the same therapeutic benefits he himself found in spending time in nature, but he also recognized the importance of spreading awareness and developing a passion for the parks that would inspire others to protect them as well.
Doing Your Part to Protect Our National Parks
Today, thousands of members of the National Park Service, including rangers, conservations, and other staff, work tirelessly to protect and preserve our national parks. But even that is not enough.
As a visitor to our Capitol Reef resort, you’re no doubt planning to spend some time in the park. During that time, it’s important that you make sure you’re doing your part to protect and preserve it.
During your Cougar vacation, you can do your part by following the seven principles of Leave No Trace.
1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
Doing your part to protect our national parks starts before you ever arrive at the best Capitol Reef resort Utah has to offer.
Do your research at home before your Cougar vacation to make sure that you understand the conditions that you may be facing. If you plan to do any hiking or other high-adventure, train in advance and always bring the right gear. Emergency rescues are not only costly, but can affect the operation of the park and can sometimes lead to damage to natural resources.
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
If you’re going to camp in a national park, only do so in designated areas. When you’re backcountry camping, stay at least 200 feet away from lakes and streams, and choose durable surfaces of rock, gravel, sand, or dry grass. Never cut down trees or shrubs to set up camp.
Staying on durable surfaces applies to hiking as well. Avoid straying from marked trails for any reason.
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
Any time you bring trash into the park, pack it out with you or dispose of it in dedicated trash cans. Try to use toilets and pit toilets as much as possible. If you do have to go when you’re on a trail and restrooms aren’t available, dig a hole that’s at least 6 inches deep and located away from trails, campsites, or waterways. Bury it when you’re finished.
4. Leave What You Find
Never pick, move, or take rocks, plants, or any other natural objects you find in the park. This also includes moving them from one place to another within the park.
If you’re camping or visiting the park for a cookout, never bring in firewood from other locations, as you could accidentally spread non-native insects.
5. Minimize Campfire Impact
Besides only using local wood, you can also minimize the impact of your campfire by keeping fires small, only setting them in designated rings or containers, following all fire permits, and burning any wood and ash to coals before putting them out completely.
When you stay at our Fruita Utah hotel, you won’t have to worry about finding a fire ring or following fire safety rules. Most Tuesdays and Saturdays, we host a Bonfire and Star Party. This event is open to our Capitol Reef resort guests as well as the public. It’s a great chance to enjoy a campfire and s’mores without having to deal with building a fire or cleaning up!
6. Respect Wildlife
Spotting wildlife in their natural habits is one of the coolest things you can experience in any national park. But while observing them and taking photos from a distance is okay, never approach or disturb wildlife of any kind. Secure your food to make sure that they can’t get to it, and never, ever feed the wildlife.
In national parks and areas where pets are allowed, keep them on leashes and do not allow them to disturb any native animals.
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors
Everyone deserves to experience the national parks in all of their tranquil beauty. Besides doing your part to preserve each park’s natural resources, you also have a responsibility to avoid affecting other visitors’ enjoyment of the park. Keep noise levels to a minimum, and always be courteous of other hikers while on trails.
Planning Your Capitol Reef Resort Adventure
Exploring the park is a must during your Capitol Reef resort adventure. And with these simple tips, you can do your part to protect this unique destination so that future generations can enjoy it!
Ready to start planning your next stay at Cougar Ridge? There’s still time to take advantage of our Spring in Capitol Reef sale! From now until June 30, when you book a stay of three or more nights, you’ll enjoy a 25 percent discount on your stay. Book today to take advantage of these savings.