Cathedral Valley — Capitol Reef Backcountry Dispersed Camping Near the Temples of the Sun and Moon

Cathedral Valley is the quiet counterpart to the Notom-Bullfrog side of Capitol Reef. Instead of the Waterpocket Fold’s tilted ramparts, you get towering bentonite and sandstone monoliths, the Temples of the Sun and Moon, standing alone in a wide, empty basin. Backcountry camping here is dispersed, with no tables, no water, no trash service, and no hosts. Pick a flat, already-impacted pullout, keep your rig on established ground, and pack out everything. The nights are dark enough to make you quit looking at your phone.

Access runs through the Fremont River ford off Highway 24, or in from the north via the Hartnet Road. The ford depth changes with runoff and storms, so check at the Capitol Reef visitor center before you commit. The roads turn to slick, impassable gumbo when it rains, and they’re a long way from help. Backcountry camping in the park generally needs a free permit from the visitor center, so confirm current rules and where you can park with a ranger before you go. Bring all your water.

Monolith country, no crowds, free permit.