Desert Dream
A Utah adventure brings together beauty and action.
In special parts of the great Southwest, you can see and feel the ages at work. The Capitol Reef country of Utah, where the red rock wrinkles and surges into moments of pure desert drama and unique geology—that’s one. A cruise on Scenic Drive Road reveals eons of change, from the ancient sandstone of the Moenkopi Formation to the outlaw lore of Grand Wash. All around, the landscape calls for adventure with your most steadfast friends, from rugged trails for foot and wheel to a welcome splash in precious waters. Out here, you’re out here.
THE TERRITORY
Capitol Reef National Park sits at the heart of southern Utah’s desert wonderland, surrounded by wild country. The remote expanses of Beas Flat beckon campers with renowned vistas and wide-open spaces.
THE CULTURE
It’s all about exploration—the more vigorous, the better—in a region defined by desert pursuits. Mountain bikers set course for Middle Ranger Trail, near base camp town Torrey, ascending 3,000 feet through stunning canyons to reach the highlands.
KEY INTEL
Hiking routes thread the land with almost infinite wayfinding, like classic Chimney Rock Loop: a bracing climb to huge views of Waterpocket Fold. Highway 24 traces the Fremont River, a clutch spot for fishing and the mellow, two-mile pilgrimage to Hickman Natural Bridge.
The trip:
Wayfinding: Capitol Reef National Park sits right in the heart of Utah’s “Mighty 5” constellation of national parks, centerpiece of the state’s wide-ranging south.
Base camp town: With just a couple hundred people and a strategic location just miles from the national park’s entrance, Torrey has key spots to eat amid classic Western architecture.
Freewheeling: In this region of vast public lands, some of the best camping is free range. Between Torrey and the Fremont Gorge Wilderness Study Area, Beas Flat makes for a rustic, up-close experience of the country. Overlook Point is a noted spot.
On the gravel: Dirt spur roads branch off from the park’s scenic drive, venturing deeper into the desert drama.
THE MAZDA CX-50 is built for adventure. With a refined interior, thoughtful storage, responsive handling, and rugged capability, it’s the ultimate road trip vehicle—ready to help you discover what's around that next bend, whether it's paved or not.
