Cathedral Valley Loop Overlanding Trail Guide

The Cathedral Valley Loop in Capitol Reef National Park is a remote, 57.6-mile backcountry drive that showcases Utah’s iconic desert landscape of towering monoliths, bentonite hills, and sweeping panoramas.

Located in the park’s Cathedral Valley District, this route typically takes 6–8 hours to complete. While drivers with high-clearance, two-wheel-drive vehicles can often negotiate the roads under good conditions, weather can drastically affect route safety.

This remote region has minimal services, so proper preparation is crucial—always check in with park rangers for road and river-ford conditions. For overlanders looking to explore a secluded corner of the Southwest, the Cathedral Valley Loop delivers solitude and dramatic scenery

Destination Details

Season	Late Spring to Early Fall (road conditions vary with weather)
Location	Cathedral Valley District, Capitol Reef National Park
General GPS Coordinates	38.274893, -111.080564
Management	U.S. National Park Service
Size	57.6-mile scenic loop
State	Utah
Nearest Major City	Salt Lake City (~220 miles north)

Getting Oriented

Cathedral Valley sits in the northern section of Capitol Reef National Park, defined by massive Entrada Sandstone monoliths that rise starkly from the desert floor. The region’s semi-arid desert climate means summers can reach the upper 90s °F, while winters often remain below freezing. Weather changes fast, and heavy rains or snow can render roads impassable.

Towering formations like the Temples of the Sun and Moon dominate the broad valleys, while colorful bentonite hills add a layered texture. This rugged, lesser-traveled area offers a sense of true wilderness. Cell service is almost nonexistent, reinforcing the area’s remote feel.

Getting to Cathedral Valley Loop

The closest gateway town is Torrey, Utah, located near the Capitol Reef Visitor Center. From Torrey, head east on Highway 24 for about 11.7 miles to the turnoff for Hartnet Road—this marks the start (or end) of the loop if you choose to travel clockwise. The ford of the Fremont River sits just off Highway 24 near the Hartnet Road junction; be sure to ask at the visitor center about water levels before you attempt a crossing.

If you’re coming from Salt Lake City (about 220 miles away), take I-15 south to US-50 east, then connect to I-70 east. Exit onto Highway 24 at Sigurd, heading southeast through towns like Loa and Bicknell until you reach Torrey and Capitol Reef. Plan ahead—fuel, food, and supplies are limited in this rural region.

Trail Overview

The Cathedral Valley Loop is a 57.6-mile circuit typically driven clockwise, starting on Hartnet Road and finishing on Cathedral Road, eventually reconnecting with Highway 24. Most travelers begin at the Fremont River ford (see map below), which can range from shallow to impassable after storms.

Once across, the Hartnet Road meanders through bentonite hills and broad desert flats, providing ever-changing vistas. Road surfaces can be washboarded or muddy, depending on recent weather. After about 27.8 miles, you’ll reach Hartnet Junction.

Turning north onto Cathedral Road leads you back to Highway 24, but not before you pass the Cathedral Valley Campground and dramatic monoliths like the Temple of the Sun and Temple of the Moon.

High-clearance two-wheel-drive vehicles can often navigate this loop in good conditions, but four-wheel drive is recommended—especially after rain. Summer storms can flood low-lying areas, and winter snows bring ice and slush.

Allocate 6–8 hours for the full route, accounting for stops to explore side roads, overlooks, and hiking trails. With little traffic or cell coverage, self-sufficiency is key. Carry extra water, food, and recovery gear, and let someone know your itinerary. The loop’s remoteness is part of its allure—expect to see few other travelers as you explore these high desert vistas.

Where to Camp?

Developed and Primitive Campgrounds:

• Cathedral Valley Campground: This small, free, first-come, first-served campground is located near Hartnet Junction (~28 miles from Highway 24 via Hartnet Road). It has pit toilets but no potable water. Its solitude and starlit skies appeal to overlanders seeking a primitive camping experience.

Dispersed Camping:

• Within Capitol Reef National Park: Dispersed camping is generally prohibited except in designated primitive campgrounds—Cathedral Valley Campground and Cedar Mesa Campground—so plan accordingly. Outside the park boundaries on BLM or National Forest land, dispersed camping rules vary. Check local regulations and practice Leave No Trace principles.
• Private Land: The roads near the Fremont River ford cross private property with posted “no trespassing” signs. Do not camp or park off-road in these areas.

Always pack out all trash, follow fire regulations, and ensure you have enough water and supplies. Remember, no potable water is available along the loop, and cell reception is unreliable.

Points of Interest

• Temple of the Sun & Temple of the Moon: These towering Entrada Sandstone monoliths are the most recognizable landmarks of the Cathedral Valley District. Their sheer faces reflect sunrise and sunset light dramatically, offering prime photo opportunities.
• Glass Mountain: A rare “gypsum plug” that protrudes from the soft red sandstone. Comprised of large selenite crystals, this fragile formation is a stark contrast to the surrounding desert.
• Gypsum Sinkhole: A collapsed cavity nearly 50 feet wide and 200 feet deep, formed as groundwater dissolved a buried gypsum deposit. Stay well back from the unstable rim.
• Bentonite Hills: Softly rolling, multi-hued hills that turn slick and gummy when wet. The bright colors come from clay-rich Morrison Formation deposits.
• South Desert Overlooks: Lower South Desert and Upper South Desert overlooks provide sweeping views of Jailhouse Rock, Navajo Sandstone domes, and multi-colored badlands.

These stops along the loop offer dramatic geology and the feeling of stepping back in time. Always heed posted signs, respect private property, and be aware of quickly changing weather. Preparation and caution will reward you with one of Utah’s most spectacular backcountry overlanding experiences. The park service had a downloadable map offering more information on hikes the area.

(All information is subject to change. Check local regulations, road conditions, and weather forecasts before heading out. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics.)