Cohab Canyon Trail, Capitol Reef National Park

This canyon is fascinating and unique. I started in Fruits across from the cute old house that sells home baked pies, and baked goods. The trail head is on the opposite side of the road of the pie place and further down the road towards the barn. You know when you find it for it is well marked right off the road. It starts with a series of switch backs to climb up the mountain. The views of the barn and the campground and some beautiful Capitol Reef cliffs are beautiful, but the thing I liked the most was how the switchbacks were so carefully and beautifully crafted. Someone took some great pride in doing an amazing job making this trail so nice. When you finally get to the top of the switchbacks you are at a base of a tall vertically rock slab. You walk along the bae and then this gorgeous canyon opens up. I seriously had my jaw drop open for I did not expect it to be so pretty. This canyon has unique holes in the cliff walls creating interesting shapes. It is called Cohab canyon after the cohabitation. In the early days of the Church of Jesus Christ of LDS there a lot more women that felt the spirit about the truthfulness of the teachings. During this time period of women having no rights, and trying to settle in a area with no nearby towns and hostile Indians, if was crucial that these excess women had a man that would protect them and care for them. That is why some men in the Church of Jesus Christ of LDS were asked to care for more than 1 wife. The US government found out and sent military to kill these men (which would have left the women and children in a very scary life threatening situation.). The men head up to this canyon that has hundreds of places to hide. There are narrow slot canyons, ledges, and caves. That are perfect places to hide. So that is how to got it's name is because if safely hid many men that were trying to provide for an extra women so they not only could have food, means, and home, but also not be withheld from enjoying the blessings of family and children. Gorgeous place, and very fun to count how many hiding places you can find. It also has a really nice Hoodoo. Highly recommended hike. #LetsGuide #CapitolReef