Driving the Cathedral Valley Loop in Capitol Reef

Hey there!  Are you ready to explore one of the most exhilarating places in Capitol Reef National Park?  Cathedral Valley offers it all — intriguing adventure, spectacular views, and the chance to see areas that many people never venture to!  

So, what exactly is Cathedral Valley?  The Cathedral Valley District in Capitol Reef National Park is a remote area with no paved roads and lots of solitude located in the northern part of the park.

The Cathedral Valley Loop described in this article is a 70-mile dirt road adventure that takes you into the heart of Cathedral Valley. Along the way, you’ll experience sweeping desert views and stand at the base of these massive red rock “cathedrals”!

If you’re looking to add some peace, adventure, and indescribable beauty to your day, then this drive through Cathedral Valley is for you!

What You Need to Know About Jeeping in Capitol Reef

• A high clearance vehicle is required for this road.  4-wheel drive is not required but is highly recommended. OHVs, ATVs, and UTVs are not permitted in the park.   We rented a four-wheel drive jeep from Capitol Reef Jeep Rentals and would HIGHLY recommend you do the same if you don’t have a good adventure vehicle.

• Come prepared!  You’ll want to have a full tank of gas, plenty of water (there is no potable water along this road), and a map specifically for Cathedral Valley.  You can buy an awesome Cathedral Loop Road Guide in the Capitol Reef visitor center that I highly recommend picking up before you go.  This article does not include mileage markers/maps because I strongly encourage you to take the road guide with you.

• Conditions vary along this road, so check out the current road conditions and weather forecast at the visitor center before you go. Deep sand and impassable mud are some of the most common obstructions on this route. 

• Pets are NOT permitted in Cathedral Valley, even if they stay in your vehicle.

• Your cell phone probably won’t work out here, so bring everything you need to stay safe in case of an emergency. This includes extra food, water, and clothing. Always carry a paper map with you in the backcountry. Help could be a few hours or a few days away.

• This route (with the stops outlined in this article) is approximately 70 slow-going miles. Plan at least 6-8 hours to complete this backcountry adventure!

Do you really need a jeep to drive through Cathedral Valley?

Maybe not, but I definitely recommend renting one.  You can usually get away with using your own SUV or truck, but the road is rough in a few places, and it’s comforting to know that you’re in a vehicle specifically outfitted for the bumpy road — and that we weren’t going to scrape up, bottom out, or get stuck!  Jeeps are perfect for this kind of adventure.

Our jeep from Capitol Reef Jeep Rentals performed flawlessly.  I take safety very seriously, especially with my young kids in tow.  This is not a place you want to be stranded!  The jeep didn’t have many upgrades or extras, but it was sufficient for getting us through Cathedral Valley without any issues.

Getting Here

The starting point for your adventure in Cathedral Valley begins at the river ford on the Hartnet Road.

To get here from the visitor center, take a right onto Highway 24 and travel east for 11.7 miles to find the Hartnet Road. The Hartnet Road is located on your left, directly across from mile marker 91. Turn left here, following signs for “Hartnet Road/2130 E, River Ford to Cathedral Valley”.

Follow the graded dirt road to the river crossing — this is the beginning of the route to Cathedral Valley! The map below provides a rough outline of where you’ll be driving for the day, but for a better map and more detailed instructions, pick up the Cathedral Loop Road Guide at the visitor center before you go.

Click NEXT to start your grand adventure on the Cathedral Valley Loop!

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