Plan your visit
Plan Your Drive
Prepare for a remote 6-to-8-hour journey over 57.6 miles (92.7 km) of dirt roads. Self-reliance is essential.
Bentonite Hills and Cathedral Valley
Cathedral Valley Loop, Capitol Reef National Park
GPS 38.0896, -111.1499
Open directionsGetting there
Getting around the backcountry
| How | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car: Driving the Cathedral Valley Loop via Hartnet and Cathedral roads in a high-clearance, 4WD vehicle. | 6-8 hours | Free | Requires fording the Fremont River; roads become completely impassable when wet. |
| Tour: Booking a guided 4x4 or photography tour from local outfitters in Torrey or Hanksville. | Half or full day | An excellent option for visitors without high-clearance vehicles or those uncomfortable with river crossings. |
When to go
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
QuietModerateBusyPeak
April, May, September, and October provide the most comfortable weather for the loop. Summer temperatures climb rapidly, making the exposed desert dangerously hot. You cannot drive this route during or immediately after rain, as the clay turns to slippery mud.
What to bring
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Volcanic dikes in Upper Cathedral Valley formed 3 to 6 million years ago.
Ancient geology
How the day runs
Suggested routes
The standard clockwise route starting with the river ford.
- Fremont River Ford
Cross the river onto Hartnet Road after checking water levels.
- Bentonite Hills
Drive through the colorful clay mounds. Do not stop if the ground is wet.
- Upper Cathedral Valley
Observe the volcanic dikes and expansive valley views.
- Campground Lunch
Stop near the Cathedral Valley primitive campground for a packed lunch.
- Temple of the Sun & Moon
Take photos of the massive freestanding sandstone monoliths.
- Glass Mountain & Return
View the selenite crystals, then drive Cathedral Road back to Highway 24.
A 4-5 hour focused trip skipping the full 57-mile loop.
- Torrey Pickup
Meet your guide at your hotel in Torrey.
- River Ford
Let your guide navigate the deep water of the Fremont River.
- Bentonite Hills
Spend an hour walking firm wash bottoms among the banded hills.
- Monoliths
Visit Temple of the Sun and Temple of the Moon.
- Return to Torrey
Arrive back at your hotel.
Preparation and Safety
You must bring a full tank of gas and plenty of drinking water. No potable water exists in the northern district. A shovel and vehicle recovery gear are highly recommended for deep sand or mud sections.
Always call the visitor center for road conditions before departing. Off-road driving is strictly prohibited to protect the fragile desert environment.
Easiest way to do it
Private Cathedral Valley and Bentonite Hills combo tour
5 h to 6 h 5.0 (14)
- Private transportation
- An array of high quality snacks will be provided including fresh fruit
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- We will bring a water jug to refill waterbottles or provide bottled water if absolutely needed.
From$445per person
Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.
Planning questions
How long does it take to drive the Cathedral Valley Loop?
The entire 57.6-mile (92.7 km) dirt road loop takes 6 to 8 hours to complete. This accounts for rough roads and sightseeing stops.
Can you camp in Cathedral Valley?
Yes. A primitive campground is located halfway through the loop at an elevation of 7,000 feet (2,133 m). Backcountry camping requires a free permit.
Do you need 4WD for Cathedral Valley?
Yes. The National Park Service strongly recommends 4WD and requires a minimum 8 inches of ground clearance to safely navigate the river ford and sandy sections.