Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
582
for directions and road conditions before going, because unpaved roads may be impass-
able in wet weather.
Backcountry camping
is permitted in much of the park with a free permit, available
at the visitor center. Fires are forbidden in the backcountry.
For a commercial campground with hot showers and RV hookups, we especially like
the
Sandcreek RV Park,
540 Utah 24 (P.O. Box 750276), Torrey, UT 84775 (
&
435/
425-3577,
or 407/363-1622 in winter; www.sandcreekrv.com). Five miles west of the
park entrance, this 24-site campground has an open, grassy area, numerous young trees,
and great views. Facilities include a large, clean bathhouse; horseshoe pits; a gallery; a
dump station; and coin-op laundry. Rates are $13 for tents and $17 to $21 for RVs. It's
open April through mid-October.
WHERE TO DINE AROUND CAPITOL REEF
Cafe Diablo
SOUTHWESTERN Among the West's finest restaurants, Cafe
Diablo offers innovative beef, pork, chicken, seafood, and vegetarian selections, many
created with a Southwestern flair. The menu varies but could include pumpkin seed-
crusted local trout served with cilantro-lime sauce and wild-rice pancakes; Utah lamb
marinated with sage and rosemary; and baby-back pork ribs, slow roasted in chipotle,
molasses, and rum glaze. Pastries and ice creams, all made on the premises, are spectacu-
lar. Beer, wine, and cocktails are served.
599 W. Main St., Torrey.
&
435/425-3070.
www.cafediablo.net. Main courses $21-$29. MC, V. Daily
5-10pm. Closed mid-Oct to early Apr.
17
Capitol Reef Cafe
Finds
AMERICAN/VEGETARIAN This local favorite
offers fine, fresh, healthful cuisine that's among the best you'll find in Utah. Known for
its locally raised trout, the cafe is equally famous for the 10-vegetable salad served with
all dinner entrees. Vegetables are grown locally, and several dishes—such as spaghetti and
excellent fettuccine primavera—can be ordered vegetarian or with meat or fish. Steaks
and chicken are also served. The atmosphere is casual, with comfortable seating, Ameri-
can Indian crafts, and large windows. The restaurant offers wine and beer.
360 W. Main St, Torrey.
&
435/425-3271.
www.capitolreefinn.com. Main courses $4.95-$12 breakfast
and lunch, $8.95-$21 dinner. AE, DISC, MC, V. Daily 7am-9pm. Closed Nov-Mar.
4
ARCHES & CANYONLANDS NATIONAL
PARKS
Massive sandstone spires and arches that seem to defy gravity, all colored by iron and
other minerals in shades of orange, red, and brown, define these two national parks. On
opposite sides of the town of Moab, the parks offer numerous opportunities for hiking,
mountain biking, and four-wheeling.
No lodging facilities, restaurants, or stores are inside either national park; most visitors
stay and eat in Moab. For lodging, camping, and restaurant information for Moab, see
“A Base Camp in Moab” (p. 587).
Moab is on US 191, 30 miles south of I-70 (take exit 180, at Crescent Junction) and
53 miles north of Monticello.
