Cathedral Valley Loop — Capitol Reef National Park
Monoliths, clay badlands and a river ford.
Most people hit Capitol Reef and stay on pavement. The ones who drive Cathedral Valley get the park’s quiet side. The loop starts off Highway 24 east of Fruita with a ford of the Fremont River, then climbs Hartnet Road onto the Middle Desert. After that you roll past Upper Cathedral Valley Overlook, Glass Mountain’s selenite lump, and the Temples of the Sun and Moon, which are giant monoliths of Entrada sandstone standing alone in a sea of gray-green bentonite hills. The loop finishes down Caineville Wash Road, past the Bentonite Hills, and back to the highway. Plan on 4 to 6 hours with stops.
It’s easier than most park tracks, but it bites if you get cocky. The Fremont ford is usually a foot or two deep, and the park closes it to everyone during spring runoff. Bentonite clay turns into grease after rain, and a 4×4 with bald tires is still a sled. Stock high-clearance 4WD is enough, and you want two spares’ worth of air and tire repair gear because the nearest help is a long way off. There’s no cell service, no water and no fuel on the loop. Fill up in Torrey or Hanksville. Best months are April through June and September through October. Free backcountry camping permits come from the visitor center, and the six-site Cathedral Valley Campground is first come, first served. Check conditions before you go. Have a dirty day.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance |
| Surface | Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 58 mi / 93.3 km |
| Duration | 4-6 hours |
| Max elevation (ft) | 6900 ft |
| Best season | April-June, September-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Torrey, Utah |
| Land manager | National Park Service, Capitol Reef National Park |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | Capitol Reef NPS site Road and weather conditions |
| Verified | |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock 4Runner or Tacoma do Cathedral Valley?
Yes. A stock high-clearance 4WD is enough in dry conditions, and plenty of stock SUVs and trucks run it. Clearance matters more than low-range or lockers, since the hazards are the river ford, washboard, and washed-out wash crossings.
Is Cathedral Valley passable after rain or in winter?
Often not. The bentonite clay turns to slick, axle-deep mud when wet and can strand even 4WD rigs for days, and the higher stretches near 6,900 ft can hold snow in winter. Stick to April-June and September-October, and check the NPS conditions page before you commit.
Do I need a permit or pay a fee to drive the loop?
There's no entrance fee for the Cathedral Valley road. Overnight stays outside the established campground need a free backcountry permit from the Capitol Reef visitor center, so confirm current rules with the park before you go.
How deep is the Fremont River ford and is it the hardest part?
At normal flows it's typically shallow, around a foot or less, over a firm bottom. Spring runoff or recent storms can make it deeper and muddier, so ask a ranger about current depth. The ford is the main obstacle, and the rest of the loop is mostly washboard, clay, and sandy washes.
Can I get fuel, water, or cell service out there?
No to all three. There's no cell signal on the loop and no services along the 58 miles. Fill up in Torrey or Hanksville, carry all your water, and tell someone your route and return time. There's dispersed camping along the route and a small first-come campground in the valley.
Trail track
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