Drive the Cathedral Valley Loop
ScenicChallengingSpringFall
Embark on a rugged 4x4 journey in Capitol Reef to see the monolithic Temple of the Sun and Temple of the Moon rising from the desert floor.
Itinerary tips
- 1Ensure your vehicle has high clearance and true 4x4 capability to navigate the deep sand and the Fremont River ford at the start of the loop.
- 2Allocate a minimum of 6 to 8 hours to complete the 58-mile loop, as travel speeds rarely exceed 15 miles per hour.
- 3Pack a full size spare tire, extra fuel, and at least one gallon of water per person, as there is no cell service or facilities in this remote backcountry.
- 4Check current road conditions and river depth at the Capitol Reef Visitor Center before departing, as rain can make Bentonite hills impassable.
- 5Start the loop via the Hartnet Road river crossing to ensure you can clear the deepest water early rather than at the end of the day.
- 6Bring a wide-angle lens for photography at the Temples of the Sun and Moon, where the scale of the monoliths is difficult to capture.
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ScenicScramble the Cathedral Valley Loop
Take a high-clearance vehicle to the Temple of the Sun and Moon for the most remote and iconic views in Capitol Reef.
Scenic