Frequently Asked Questions at CRFS

Planning Your Trip

How long does it take to get from UVU to CRFS?

• Click here for directions.
• It is almost 200 miles one-way, plan on 3.75 hours

What is the average seasonal temperature?

• View current conditions.
• Spring (Mar-May) is variable with highs between 45-80F. It may be somewhat windy and the average rainfall is 0.55 inches/month.
• Summer (June-Aug) day temperatures are usually in the 90sF and rarely exceed 100F. Lows average around 55F. Monsoon afternoon rains occur during this time with the average rainfall being 0.88 inches/month.
• Fall (Sept-Nov) is pleasant with high temperatures between 50-70F and average lows around 42F. Average rainfall is 0.68 inches/month.
• Winter (Dec-Feb) is filled with clear days and colder temperatures ranging between 30-40F during the day and nighttime temperatures in the teens. Precipitation occurs mostly as snow, which usually evaporates or melts within a few days of falling. Average precipitation is 0.29 inches/month.

What is the elevation at the field station?

• 6,050 ft. or 1,843 m

Are there beds and showers?

• Our two dorms each have four bedrooms complete with beds and a private bathroom with showers, shared by up to four people. You will need to bring your own bedding (sleeping bag), pillows, towels, and toiletries. Suggested packing list.

Do we cook our own food?

• A full kitchen is available with gas oven/range/griddle, propane barbeque grill, microwave, coffee maker, refrigerators, freezer, pots, pans, plates, cups, serving utensils, crock pot, etc.
• There are local businesses that will cater at the station with advance notice. Please contact the caterers directly with any questions.
  • Sweetwater Gypsies: http://www.sweetwatergypsies.com
    Contact Monica at (435) 691-5464 or sweetwatergypsies@gmail.com
  • Café Diablo: http://www.cafediablo.net
    Contact Gary at (435) 491-0222 or gary@cafediablo.net

Can anybody use the station?

• It is open to the public only when appropriate activities have been scheduled and approved by the staff via the request process. See examples of appropriate use.

What does it cost to use CRFS?

• See our fee schedule for current rates.

Are there any special activities or programs available at the station?

• Yes. Contact Jane Dell, the CRFS site manager for details.

Can I have alcohol at the station?

• No, alcohol is not permitted at UVU sponsored activities (UVU policy #157).

Can my family and I show up unannounced and look around for a while?

• All visitors must have prior approval to visit the field station. In addition, no children are allowed at CRFS as programs are intended for adults.

Can I bring my pets with me?

• No. Pets are not allowed at CRFS.

During Your Stay

Is there water and electricity at the station?

• Yes. All electricity is solar generated. We also have our own solar-powered well and water treatment facility. With this in mind, we promote and practice both energy and water conservation.

Do cell phones and internet work at the station?

• All communication is through a satellite connection. Therefore, cell phones do not work. We have internet, but it is very limited.

What kind of vegetation is around the station?

• The pinyon/juniper woodland community occupies the top of the mesa and Colorado Plateau shrubland, grasslands, and riparian communities occur in the valley below.
• Photos of Local Flora.

Are there poisonous snakes in the area?

• The midget-faded rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis concolor) is found in the area. Although it is usually non-aggressive, it does have highly effective neurotoxins and myotoxins. This snake should be avoided and appreciated only from a very safe distance.
• Photos of this and other Local Fauna.

Is the station inside Capitol Reef National Park?

• Yes. All park regulations apply at CRFS unless otherwise approved. Click here for guidelines.
• However, you will not have to pay the entrance fee to the scenic drive on the way to the station.

Can we collect rocks, flowers, reptiles, etc.?

• No. The cultural and natural resources in National Parks are protected in perpetuity for the enjoyment of all.

Can we camp out and have campfires the field station?

• No. However, there is a campground in the park near the visitor’s center. In addition, the station is near a backcountry corridor where you can obtain a camping permit from rangers at the visitor’s center.

Is recycling available at the station?

• Yes. We recycle #1 and #2 plastics, aluminum and tin cans, cardboard, and paper.

Can I do laundry at CRFS?

• No. The closest laundromat is in the nearby town of Torrey, about 20 miles (40 minutes) from the field station.

Where is the nearest grocery store?

• A seasonal general store with groceries in Torrey operates spring, summer, and fall. A year round grocery store operates in Loa, 40 miles from the station.

Where is the nearest restaurant?

• There are various dining options in the town of Torrey.

Where is the nearest medical facility?

• There is a medical clinic in Bicknell, about 32 miles (1 hour) from the station. The closest hospital is in Richfield, approximately 2 hours from the field station. With this in mind, safety is of paramount importance at CRFS.