Cathedral Valley
A remote wilderness in the north of the park, where giant freestanding rock pillars such as the Temple of the Sun and the Temple of the Moon rise from grey-white desert. A high-clearance 4WD is required.
The Cathedral Valley loop is about 92 kilometres long. Most of it is dirt road, and it requires fording the Fremont River. The route passes the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Moon, and Glass Mountain in Lower Cathedral Valley, and the Upper Cathedral Valley viewpoint overlooks rows of 'cathedral' rock walls. The full loop requires a high-clearance 4WD vehicle and a full day. There are no supplies or mobile signal along the way. Check road conditions at the visitor centre before setting out, because after rain the clay roads can become impassable. If you do not want to cross the river, you can reach the Temples of the Sun and Moon from the petrol station on the east side of Highway 24.
Opening hours
Open all day (subject to road conditions)
Nearby sights
- Bentonite Hills
- Rim Overlook & Navajo Knobs Trail
- Hickman Bridge
- Petroglyph Panel
- Behunin Cabin
- Fruita Schoolhouse
- Grand Wash
- Chimney Rock Trail