Plants and Wildlife in Capitol Reef

The golden rock and rainbow cliffs are at their finest at sunset, when it seems as if they are lighted from within. That's also when mule deer wander through the orchards near the campground. The deer are quite used to people, but it's illegal to feed or even approach them. Many of the park's animals move about only at night to escape the heat, but pinyon jays and black-billed magpies flit around the park all day. The best place to see wildlife is near the Fremont River, where animals are drawn to drink. Ducks and small mammals such as the yellow-bellied marmot live nearby. Desert bighorn sheep also live in Capitol Reef, but they are elusive; your best chance for spotting them is during a long hike deep within the park. If you should encounter a sheep, do not approach it, as they've been known to charge people.