Off-Road to Cathedral Valley Overlook
AdventureChallengingSpringYear-round
Take a high-clearance vehicle to view the massive, solitary monoliths known as the Temple of the Sun and Temple of the Moon rising from the desert floor.
Itinerary tips
- 1Dedicate 6 to 8 hours for the full 58-mile loop to account for slow travel speeds and frequent photo stops.
- 2Verify current conditions at the Capitol Reef Visitor Center because the Fremont River ford can become impassable after rain.
- 3Pack a full-sized spare tire, a shovel, and at least one gallon of water per person as cell service is non-existent.
- 4Download offline satellite maps and a GPS track, as intersections in the backcountry are not always clearly marked.
- 5Start your journey via Hartnet Road to reach the overlook for the best lighting before descending to the valley floor.
- 6Ensure your vehicle has at least 8 inches of ground clearance and true 4WD to navigate deep sand and rocky washes.
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