Route 24 meanders through south-central Utah's slickrock country, just south of I-70. This scenic byway takes in the highway between Hanksville in the east, through Capitol Reef National Park and on to Lyman. Here the road follows the Fremont River, an oasis in a parched environment. Capitol Reef park seems a northern extension of the huge Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument that covers 1.7 million acres. Capitol Reef is a sightseers and hikers paradise, with beautiful colored monoliths, sculpted spires, graceful arches, mesmerizing canyon mazes, and an imposing Waterpocket Fold and the Capitol Reef.
This scenic view shows off the countryside near Fruita as the setting sun casts its warm glow over Route 24. On rare occasions, late in the day, the golden hue appears to enliven everything in its path. It's a magical time of day when a small part of the world around changes for a few moments.