Waterpocket FoldAbout Waterpocket Fold
Waterpocket Fold is a nearly 100-mile (160 km) long monocline in south-central Utah that forms the defining geologic structure of the region. It is the dominant structural feature running through the area and creates long, steep cliffs and a sequence of sheltered basins called waterpockets.
The landscape along the fold offers extensive hiking, canyon exploration and scenic driving with colorful exposed strata, narrow canyons and natural arches. Key visitor activities include backcountry hiking, route-finding on less-developed tracks and photography of layered rock exposures and panoramic overlooks.
The fold is a tilted block of the Earth’s crust created by compressional forces; subsequent uplift and erosion exposed the layered sedimentary rocks and sculpted the series of pockets and gullies that give the feature its name. The structural flexure is a classic example of a monocline in the Colorado Plateau province.
Geographically the Waterpocket Fold lies within and adjacent to Capitol Reef National Park in south-central Utah, with the small town of Torrey serving as a common gateway for visitors. The feature runs roughly northwest-southeast across the park and its immediate surroundings.
- Length: About 100 miles (160 km) long, forming a continuous cliff and fold that defines the backbone of the surrounding landscape.
- Access: Accessible primarily through Capitol Reef National Park via park roads, trailheads and pullouts along the fold.
Nearby Attractions to Waterpocket Fold
Best Time to Visit Waterpocket Fold
Spring and autumn are generally the best seasons for hiking and photography; summers can be very hot.
Weather & Climate near Waterpocket Fold
Waterpocket Fold's climate is classified as Cold Desert - Cold Desert climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -8°C to 33°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -8° - 4° | -5° | 9 mm | - | - | 2.2 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -5° - 8° | -1° | 10 mm | - | - | 2.5 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | -1° - 13° | 3° | 16 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 2° - 18° | 8° | 14 mm | - | - | 3.6 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 7° - 23° | 15° | 17 mm | - | - | 3.6 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 12° - 29° | 21° | 11 mm | - | - | 3.4 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 16° - 33° | 24° | 25 mm | - | - | 3.0 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 15° - 31° | 23° | 29 mm | - | - | 2.8 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 10° - 26° | 18° | 23 mm | - | - | 2.8 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 4° - 19° | 12° | 21 mm | - | - | 2.5 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | -3° - 10° | 2° | 13 mm | - | - | 2.5 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -7° - 5° | -4° | 9 mm | - | - | 2.2 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Waterpocket Fold
The Waterpocket Fold is primarily explored via Capitol Reef National Park (nearest town Torrey, UT). Access points and overlooks are reached by driving west or south from national park facilities; many viewpoints are along state routes and park roads. Plan for long drives between trailheads and check seasonal road closures.
Tips for Visiting Waterpocket Fold
- Drive the Rim Overlook and stop at trailheads early to avoid heat and to get better photographic light across the fold.
- Bring a map and allow for long driving distances-the Waterpocket Fold spans roughly 100 miles and much of it is in sparsely serviced country.