FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Find quick facts about road requirements, safety rules, and route timing.
How long does it take to drive the Cathedral Valley Loop?
Driving the full 57.6-mile (92.7 km) loop takes 6 to 8 hours. You should plan for a full day. The terrain limits speeds heavily.
Do you need 4WD for Cathedral Valley?
Yes. You need a 4WD vehicle with high clearance. The park defines high clearance as a minimum of 8 inches to clear rocks and deep sand.
Can you drive to Bentonite Hills in a 2WD car?
No. The hills along the Cathedral Valley loop require crossing the Fremont River. A 2WD car will get stuck in the water or deep sand.
Where are the Bentonite Hills located in Utah?
The main Capitol Reef Bentonite Hills are on Hartnet Road inside the Cathedral Valley loop. A secondary area is located just west of Hanksville on Cow Dung Road.
Is Cathedral Valley worth the drive?
Yes, if you enjoy remote desert landscapes. You will see massive sandstone monoliths like the Temple of the Sun and intensely colored clay hills without the usual park crowds.
Are the Bentonite Hills on Mars?
No, they are in Utah. However, the soft contours and colorful banded clay closely resemble a Martian landscape. The nearby Hanksville area even hosts the Mars Desert Research Station.
What is the best time of day to see the Bentonite Hills?
Sunrise and sunset offer the best lighting. See our guide on the Photography Timing Tips for details on capturing the maroon, green, and gray bands.
Can you camp in Cathedral Valley?
Yes. There is a primitive campground located halfway through the loop at 7,000 feet (2,133 m). Check Camping Guide for permit details.
Are dogs allowed in Cathedral Valley?
Pets are not permitted on trails or in off-trail backcountry areas. They must remain in your vehicle or at the designated primitive campground.
Why are the Bentonite Hills so colorful?
The intense maroon, green, and gray colors come from altered volcanic ash. This ash was deposited 150 to 157 million years ago and shaped by erosion.
Do you have to pay an entrance fee for Cathedral Valley?
No. The Cathedral Valley loop itself has no entry fee. The $20 fee applies only to the main Capitol Reef Scenic Drive.