Cathedral Valley Scenic Drive Capitol Reef National Park

Capitol reef national park a long skinny unit comprising 378 square miles in the heart of utah s canyon country can be divided conceptually into three separate districts each with a unique flavor.

Cathedral valley scenic drive capitol reef national park.

The hogan pass overlook sits at 9 200 feet above sea level and looks out over capitol reef national park s cathedral valley towards the henry mountains which are over 40 miles away. Most rock at capitol reef is sedimentary meaning it was formed in layers from loose materials sediments like mud and sand. Geologists have classified the rock layers into various formations. From hogan pass you can literally see for hundreds of miles.

Cathedral valley loop capitol reef national park. Around 95 percent of visitors flock to the central fremont river district which includes the highway 24 corridor and the scenic drive. Kevin was our guide for the day and was helpful knowledgeable and easy going. Vehicles with high ground clearance even those without four wheel drive can usually negotiate the roads without difficulty.

Capitol reef is one of the mighty 5 national parks located in southern utah known for their iconic red rock arches and hoodoos. Cathedral valley in the northern area of capitol reef national park has some of the most stunning views around. It is a bit difficult to get to which makes it one of the lesser visited areas of the park. One of utah s great scenic vistas can be seen here in capitol reef country.

We chose to use a guide as we did not want to take our rental car out in this remote area which was all dirt roads. However road conditions can vary greatly depending on recent weather conditions. Capitol reef national park is the least visited of these five. Take the scenic route.

On our recent visit to capitol reef we did an all day tour of cathedral valley with freemont river guides. Many of the valleys structures have interesting highly descriptive names. Although this tour is free there is a 5 entrance fee when you come to the park to drive the scenic drive. Address cathedral valley loop reviews.

Temple of the sun temple of the moon the walls of jericho among others. It is a remote stark desert characterized by amazingly beautiful sandstone monoliths that some say resemble cathedrals. Drive the dusty backcountry cathedral valley loop through capitol reef national park for the most impressive views in the park. Guide to the scenic drive.