Towering Monoliths & Volcanic Clay

58 Miles of Pure Backcountry, Desert Spires, and Deep Wilderness

When you are ready to completely leave civilization behind and plunge into the remote, northern heart of Capitol Reef National Park, the Cathedral Valley Loop is your ultimate trek. Starting from Highway 24, this legendary scenic backway trades the asphalt entirely for unpaved dirt, sand, and slick clay. It kicks off with a thrilling river ford, climbs through technicolor volcanic hills, and reveals a stunning horizon of freestanding sandstone giants. It’s an unforgettable journey for self-reliant travelers looking to experience the raw, untamed majesty of the desert.

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Cathedral Valley Loop
MONOLITHIC VISTAS & BADLAND SKYLINE

The Cathedral Valley Loop

This 66-mile corridor serves as a dramatic link between the high plateaus of the Dixie National Forest, the sweeping canyons of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, and the remote southern boundaries of Capitol Reef National Park. Originally carved out by pioneer cattleman John Atlantic Burr in the late 1800s, this route now offers modern explorers a thrilling mix of paved cruising, awe-inspiring canyon narrows, and remote backcountry recreation.

Things to Do
Curated Experiences

Canyons & Sculpted Stone

Where the desert badlands meet towering architectural stone.
More Scenic Drives
The Bentonite HillsA surreal landscape that feels like driving straight onto Mars. Formed over millions of years by the weathering of ancient volcanic ash, these softly contoured badlands feature mind-bending, technicolor stripes of deep purple, fiery red, and charcoal gray. The hills are especially magical during the blue hour just after sunset, when the colors seem to glow from within.
Fremont River FordThe adventure begins with a splash just half a mile in. Vehicles must cross the rocky-bottom waters of the Fremont River, making high clearance non-negotiable.
Valley OverlookA breathtaking 360-degree vantage point. Gaze across the sweeping South Desert corridor, framed by dramatic cliff walls and the distant Henry Mountains.
Temples of the Sun & MoonThe crown jewels of the valley floor. Rising hundreds of feet out of a completely flat desert basin, these immense, standalone Entrada Sandstone monoliths glow with a fiery, brilliant orange—especially under early morning light.

More Things To Do

Explore Glass Mountain: Located right next to the Temples of the Sun and Moon, pull over to see this unusual mound made entirely of large, exposed selenite crystals. The gypsum shards glisten and fracture the light, looking like a shattered pile of glass in the middle of the desert floor.

Peer into the Gypsum Sinkhole: Take the short spur road to witness a massive, unexpected 200-foot deep and 50-foot wide chasm. This geological anomaly was created when underground water dissolved thick layers of ancient gypsum, causing the desert surface to collapse.

Hike the Cathedrals Trail: Located near the northern end of the loop, this easy 2.4-mile round-trip ridgeline hike runs parallel to a stunning chain of jagged monoliths, giving you a chance to step out of your vehicle and walk right alongside the valley's iconic "cathedrals."

Logistics

Know Before
You Go

  • What is the biggest vehicle hazard? The Fremont River Ford. Located just half a mile into the loop, vehicles must cross flowing water over loose rocks. High clearance is required, and $4\times4$ is highly recommended. If conditions are bad, drive counter-clockwise via Caineville Wash to see the Temples and avoid the river entirely.

  • Can you drive this road in the rain? Absolutely not. The stunning Bentonite Hills (located at mile 9) are made of altered volcanic ash that turns into a slick, sticky, wheel-locking clay muck when wet. It becomes completely impassable for all vehicles. If rain is forecast anywhere in the region, cancel your trip.

  • What should you pack for emergencies? Tire kits and extra water. Sharp rocks frequently shred standard tires, and cell service is non-existent. You must carry a full-sized spare tire, a jack that works on uneven dirt, a first-aid kit, and at least one gallon of water per person.

Spotty Service Cell coverage vanishes entirely. Expect zero signal to call for help or look up directions. It is critical to download all offline maps, GPS tracks, and national park trail guides before you leave the asphalt of Highway
Seasonal Access Sudden flash floods or storms miles away can rapidly alter road conditions, wash out trails, or make the river ford dangerous. Always check in with rangers at the Capitol Reef Visitor Center for live updates before setting out.

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