USA Cathedrals Trail

This spot is in the Cathedral Valley section of Capitol Reef National Park and is reminiscent of the more famous “Temple of the Sun” and “Temple of the Moon” monoliths located in another part of Cathedral Valley. Unlike the rest of Capitol Reef, you’ll likely not see another soul at this spot. The easy hike is about 2.2 miles/3.5km round trip.

I used a 24-70mm lens at mid afternoon.

To access the Cathedrals Trail, drive 2.2miles/3.5km from the Cathedral Valley Campground to a dirt pullout on the right. There is sufficient parking for 3 or 4 vehicles. At the base of a small hill, look for a small but conspicuous sign on the left marked “Cathedrals Trail Trails End 1.1.” From the trailhead, the Cathedrals Trail immediately begins to climb, ascending northward amid bushy junipers and basalt boulders. Rounding a corner, a clearing in the trees offers the hike’s first unobstructed views of the Cathedrals. Under normal conditions the drive from Hwy. 24 is suitable for most 2WD vehicles including the short (200 feet) ford of the Fremont River. During the spring snow melt, the river can be too high for ANY vehicle. It’s a good idea to check with park officials before attempting to access any part of Cathedral Valley.