Coyote Gulch to Chimney Rock — Capitol Reef North Desert Circuit via Hartnet Road
Cathedral Valley monoliths, real river ford, real solitude.
Most people drive Utah 24 past Capitol Reef and never know the north district exists. The Hartnet Road drops you into a raw desert basin where the Fremont River crossing is real — water depth varies with season — and the monolith formations of Cathedral Valley rise out of the flats like something left behind by a civilization that never existed. The Glass Mountain selenite deposit off Polk Creek Road is a legit stop: a hillside that glitters. Chimney Rock and the Temple of the Sun are the marquee features, but the drive between them, across the Hartnet Desert, is where Capitol Reef’s scale actually hits you.
This is a high-clearance route that turns nasty when wet — Bentonite clay becomes greased ice and swallows tires. Dry weather only. A stock 4WD will handle it fine in good conditions, but the Fremont River ford demands you check depth before committing. No services north of Torrey; carry two days of water and a full tank plus a spare. The BLM maintains a small primitive campsite near the Temple of the Sun. Best run May–June or September–October. No permit required but the Capitol Reef visitor center can give you current road conditions — call before you roll.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, High Clearance |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 58 mi / 93.3 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 6800 ft |
| Best season | May-June, September-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Torrey, Utah |
| Land manager | Capitol Reef National Park / NPS |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | NPS Cathedral Valley guide Capitol Reef road conditions |
| 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
No recent condition reports. Be the first to post one.
Log in to post a condition report.
Frequently asked questions
Can a stock 4Runner or Wrangler handle Hartnet Road without any mods?
Yes, a stock 4WD high-clearance vehicle like a 4Runner or Wrangler is the baseline minimum. The road itself is manageable stock, but the Fremont River crossing can swallow low-clearance rigs — check current water levels with Capitol Reef NPS before you launch.
When is Hartnet Road actually passable — and what kills access most often?
May–June and September–October are the sweet spots. Summer monsoons (July–August) can make the dirt impassable with flash flooding and mud, and winter snow closes access entirely. Call the Capitol Reef visitor center for current road conditions before heading out.
Do I need a permit to drive this route or camp in Cathedral Valley?
No permit is required to drive the loop, but you need a valid America the Beautiful pass or Capitol Reef entrance fee to enter the park. Dispersed camping in Cathedral Valley requires a free backcountry permit, self-issued at the trailhead registration box.
What's the hardest part of this route and what should I actually be ready for?
The Fremont River ford near the south end is the crux — depth varies but can hit 24–30 inches after snowmelt or rain, which will drown a stock rig's air intake if you're not paying attention. Scout it on foot first, know your vehicle's wading depth, and if it looks sketchy, it probably is.
How far is the nearest gas from the trailhead and is there any water on route?
Torrey is your last reliable fuel stop, roughly 20–30 miles from the start depending on your approach — fill up completely. There's no potable water on the route; the Fremont River water requires treatment, so carry all drinking water you'll need for the full 1–2 days.
Trail track
No GPX track for this trail yet. If you've driven it and have a track, contribute below.
Log in to contribute a GPX track.