Jason Willard grew up in Utah, spent 24 years in the Army Special Forces with deployments to Afghanistan and international training missions, and retired to Torrey — 10 miles west of the Capitol Reef entrance — where he founded Waterpocket Adventure Company. The business is veteran-owned and operated, and the operating philosophy reflects someone who spent two decades navigating unfamiliar terrain: thorough, prepared, and attuned to conditions.
Willard guides 4WD backcountry excursions through Capitol Reef's remote quarters — Cathedral Valley, Goblin Valley, and the Burr Trail; hiking expeditions into Sulphur Creek and the park's interior; and photography-focused tours timed for sunrise and dark sky Milky Way sessions. The Waterpocket Fold itself — the 100-mile geological formation that defines Capitol Reef — structures most of the 4WD itinerary, which follows backroads along its face that see very little visitor traffic.
Tours are based at 341 S Pine Drive in Torrey and operate with pickup available from the Torrey area. Reviewers consistently note Willard's preparedness and terrain knowledge as the defining quality of the experience.
**Verification notes** Website live; Jason Willard confirmed as owner on the About page, with Army Special Forces background (24 years) and veteran-owned designation confirmed. Address 341 S Pine Drive, Torrey confirmed. Phone confirmed. Town of Torrey business directory listing confirmed.