Cathedral Valley Overlook
Explore the alien landscapes of Cathedral Valley, a remote and rugged gem within Capitol Reef National Park, featuring towering sandstone formations a...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds
Cathedral Valley Overlook
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the alien landscapes of Cathedral Valley, a remote and rugged gem within Capitol Reef National Park, featuring towering sandstone formations and colorful badlands.
"This is one of the most epic drives on earth, a true desert wonderland."
🚗 High Clearance Vehicle Needed
A high-clearance vehicle is essential for the Cathedral Valley Loop. Some sections may require 4x4.
💧 Pack Plenty of Water
This is a remote area with no services. Carry ample water, especially during warmer months.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cathedral Valley Overlook
Along the Cathedral Valley Loop Road
Panoramic views of the iconic sandstone cathedrals and unique geological formations. A true desert wonderland.
Temples of the Sun and Moon
Eastern end of Cathedral Valley Loop
Striking, solitary monoliths that dominate the landscape, especially breathtaking at sunrise or sunset.
Bentonite Hills
Along the Cathedral Valley Loop Road
Otherworldly, colorful hills that resemble a Martian landscape, offering incredible photographic opportunities.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
High Clearance Vehicle Essential
Plan for Remote Conditions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 High Clearance Vehicle Needed
A high-clearance vehicle is essential for the Cathedral Valley Loop. Some sections may require 4x4.
💧 Pack Plenty of Water
This is a remote area with no services. Carry ample water, especially during warmer months.
⛽ Fill Up Your Gas Tank
Gas stations are scarce. Ensure your tank is full before starting the loop.
📱 Download Offline Maps
Cell service is unreliable. Download maps of the area beforehand.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 High Clearance Vehicle Needed
A high-clearance vehicle is essential for the Cathedral Valley Loop. Some sections may require 4x4.
💧 Pack Plenty of Water
This is a remote area with no services. Carry ample water, especially during warmer months.
⛽ Fill Up Your Gas Tank
Gas stations are scarce. Ensure your tank is full before starting the loop.
📱 Download Offline Maps
Cell service is unreliable. Download maps of the area beforehand.
📸 Best Light for Photos
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for the unique geological formations.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Cathedral Valley for its epic, otherworldly landscapes and unique geological formations, calling it one of the most incredible drives. The remoteness and ruggedness are part of its appeal, though the rough road conditions and need for a capable vehicle are frequently mentioned drawbacks.
"This is one of the most epic drives on earth. Start at the west end, starting with the crossing of the Fremont river. Finish with the Temple of the Sun and Moon at the east end. Horrendously washboarded on the east end. The overlook is about 35 miles in. The spur road to the viewpoint is quite rough. High clearance required."
Scott Wilcox
"Amazing. Need a 4x4 to get up the switchbacks or the stream crossing the other way. About 20 miles and 30 miles respectively. The view is amazing"
deathraydave
"You need a Jeep, 4x4 full wheels drive, 10 miles from main road, but a tough road."
Raymond Chui
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Cathedral Valley Overlook is accessed via the Cathedral Valley Loop Road, an unpaved 59-mile route within Capitol Reef National Park. You can start from either the east or west entrance. The overlook itself is a spur off the main loop road. 
No, the Cathedral Valley Loop Road is unpaved and can be rough, especially in certain sections. High clearance is required, and a 4x4 is recommended for some parts.
While some visitors have managed with high-clearance vehicles, a 4x4 is highly recommended for the Cathedral Valley Loop, particularly for the stream crossings and switchbacks.
Many recommend starting from the west end and crossing the Fremont River, finishing with the Temples of the Sun and Moon at the east end. Be aware the east end can be very washboarded.
The loop is about 57.6 miles, but with stops at overlooks and side trips, it can easily take 4-6 hours or more. Plan for a full day of exploration.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Cathedral Valley is part of Capitol Reef National Park, which has an entrance fee. You can purchase a pass at the park's visitor center or online.
No special permits are required for driving the Cathedral Valley Loop, but standard park entrance fees apply. Backcountry camping permits may be needed if you plan to stay overnight.
Cathedral Valley is accessible year-round, but conditions can vary significantly with weather. The park itself has visitor center hours, but the loop road is generally open 24/7.
It is strongly advised against visiting Cathedral Valley in a regular car. The unpaved roads, potential stream crossings, and rough terrain require a high-clearance vehicle, and ideally a 4x4.
Check the official Capitol Reef National Park website or call the visitor center for the most up-to-date information on road conditions, especially after rain or snow.
📸 📸 Photography
The Cathedral Valley Overlook, Temples of the Sun and Moon, and Bentonite Hills are prime photography locations. The unique geological formations and vast desert landscapes offer endless opportunities.
Golden hour, during sunrise and sunset, provides the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for capturing the colors and textures of the desert landscape.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive vistas, while a telephoto lens can be useful for isolating specific formations. A sturdy tripod is recommended for low-light conditions.
Dust and glare can be challenges. Consider using a lens hood and polarizing filter. The remote nature means you'll want to be prepared with extra batteries and memory cards.
Drone usage is restricted in all US National Parks, including Capitol Reef. Check the park's official regulations regarding drone operation before your visit.
🎫 🚗 Onsite Experience
The main activity is driving the scenic loop and stopping at various overlooks and points of interest like the Temples of the Sun and Moon, Bentonite Hills, and the Cathedrals Trail.
Yes, the Cathedrals Trail is a popular 2.5-mile out-and-back hike that offers a closer look at the formations. Other short walks are possible to various overlooks.
Key stops include the Upper Cathedral Valley Overlook, Temples of the Sun & Moon, Bentonite Hills, Upper South Desert Overlook, and Lower South Desert Overlook.
With a suitable vehicle and careful planning, families can enjoy the scenic drive and short walks. Ensure children are supervised, especially near overlooks.
Pack plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, sturdy shoes for walking, a first-aid kit, and a full tank of gas. A camera is a must!
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 Consider making it a half-day trip to avoid overtiring younger ones. Always supervise children closely, especially near overlooks. 🚗 Adventure Seekers & Off-Road Enthusiasts
+1📸 Photographers & Landscape Lovers
+1 The vast, open landscapes are best captured during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset for optimal lighting. Be prepared for dust and glare, and consider bringing a tripod for stable shots in varying light conditions. The remoteness also means fewer crowds, allowing for more undisturbed photographic moments. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Cathedral Valley Loop
Starting from the west, you'll encounter the Fremont River crossing, which can be challenging. As you progress, you'll pass by numerous overlooks and points of interest. The Temples of the Sun and Moon are iconic monolithic structures that are particularly striking at sunrise and sunset. Further along, the Bentonite Hills offer a surreal, colorful landscape that feels like another planet.
+1It's crucial to be prepared for the remoteness. Cell service is virtually non-existent, so download offline maps and inform someone of your itinerary. Carry ample water, food, and ensure your vehicle is in good condition with a full tank of gas. The drive can take anywhere from 4 to 6 hours, or even longer if you plan to hike or stop frequently for photos.
Photography Opportunities in Cathedral Valley
The Temples of the Sun and Moon are particularly photogenic, standing as solitary sentinels against the desert sky. Capturing them during the golden hours of sunrise or sunset will yield the most dramatic and colorful results. The Bentonite Hills present an almost alien landscape with their swirling, colorful clay formations. These hills are perfect for wide-angle shots that emphasize the scale and texture of the terrain.
+1 For those who enjoy hiking, the Cathedrals Trail offers a more intimate perspective on these geological wonders, providing opportunities for close-up shots of rock textures and patterns. +1When shooting in Cathedral Valley, be mindful of the harsh desert light. A polarizing filter can help manage glare and enhance colors, while a lens hood will protect against dust and sun flare. Bringing extra batteries and memory cards is essential, as you'll likely find yourself taking far more photos than you anticipate.
Understanding the Road Conditions and Vehicle Requirements
Specific challenges include stream crossings, particularly on the western approach, and sections of severe washboarding, especially on the eastern side. These conditions can make for a jarring and slow drive, even in a capable vehicle. Attempting the loop in a standard car is not recommended and could lead to damage or getting stuck.
It's vital to check current road conditions before you depart. Heavy rains can make the unpaved roads impassable or extremely hazardous. The park service often provides updates on their website or through ranger stations. Being prepared with the right vehicle and understanding the potential challenges will ensure a safer and more enjoyable exploration of this incredible landscape.
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