Capitol Reef National Park, in the middle of southern Utah, is a bit off the beaten path if you/re visiting the Moab-area parks like Arches, or the southern parks like Zion and Bryce, although it is at a great location between the two areas if you plan on driving between the two areas.

The park follows the Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile-long fold in the Earth/s crust. Erosion has worn away different layers of colorful rock, exposing some beautiful, multicolored scenery. A scenic drive starts near the campgrounds and follows the Waterpocket fold for about 10 miles. Visitors can continue on for a few more miles along a dirt road without much trouble if the road is dry. The road continues further south, but 4wd is recommended.

The curve of the fold and effects of the erosion gives this a west-facing view, so afternoon is best for the sun to bring out its full color.

Mark Wasson, http://www.markwasson.com > Trips has detailed summaries of my trips