Pioneer Register [Suggest Edits]

Description

Though the rock formations in Capitol Reef provide insight into the distant past of the Colorado Plateau, the canyon walls also record the anthropological history of the area. The Freemont people were the first human inhabitants of the area, and artifacts can be seen throughout the area. While the Pioneer Register doesn't include artifacts such as dwellings or pot sherds, there are humanoid petroglyphs that the Freemont people left behind along the way to the register. These petroglyphs remain a mystery, as drought forced the Native Americans from this area in about 1300 CE.

The more recent settlers of this area also left their mark on this area. Mormon pioneers traveling through with cattle or goods would carve their names into the towering rock features, and the canyon soon came to resemble a guestbook or "register". As the region was settled in the late 1880's, some of the names inscribed in the cliffs are more than 125 years old!

As a trip to the Pioneer Register allows visitors to take in the beautiful natural beauty as well as the history of the settlement of Fruita, it can provide a lot of wonder in a short amount of time. Like many of the routes in the area, keep an eye on the weather as flash flooding does occur in the region.

Please be respectful and refrain from adding your own signature to the rock walls.

Short Walk: Parking is accessible by most vehicles, and visitors can enjoy a short, easy run to the register. The register is located about a half mile from the trailhead.

Gem Type: Historic Site