Torrey Trip Overview
Cathedral Valley is one of those places that visitors always end up asking “Where is that?, why didn’t I see that when I visited Capitol Reef?” Reality is, though some of its most awe-inspiring features are included in promotional photos and literature, access to the region is not something a new visitor to the park in a rental vehicle would be advised to embark on. It is, however, one that is highly recommended to any visitor who wants to experience the true heart and soul of what Capitol Reef is. This is a tour that includes such famous features as the Temple of the Sun and the Moon, the Gypsum Sinkhole, Bentonite Hills, and the stunning Cathedral Valley itself! Included in the 60+ mile loop are a river crossing (in the comfort of one of our highly capable vehicles), visits to North, South, Upper and Lower viewpoints of Cathedral Valley, an amazing descent down a set of switchbacks into the valley itself.
Additional Info
Duration: 6 to 7 hours
Starts: Torrey, United States
Trip Category: Day Trips & Excursions >> Day Trips
Explore Torrey Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Torrey, Utah, United States
Cathedral Valley is one of those places that visitors always end up asking “Where is that?, why didn’t I see that when I visited Capitol Reef?” Reality is, though some of its most awe-inspiring features are included in promotional photos and literature, access to the region is not something a new visitor to the park in a rental vehicle would be advised to embark on. It is, however, one that is highly recommended to any visitor who wants to experience the true heart and soul of what Capitol Reef is. This is a tour that includes such famous features as the Temple of the Sun and the Moon, the Gypsum Sinkhole, Bentonite Hills, and the stunning Cathedral Valley itself! Included in the 60+ mile loop are a river crossing (in the comfort of one of our highly capable vehicles), visits to North, South, Upper and Lower viewpoints of Cathedral Valley, an amazing descent down a set of switchbacks into the valley itself.
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Cathedral Valley, Capitol Reef National Park, UT
We will pick up guests at their lodging location in one of our luxury off-road SUVs. Guests will then be transported through approximately 70 miles of some of the most remote terrain in Utah. The renowned Cathedral Valley Loop includes a dramatic river crossing (in the safety of our capable SUVs) as well as scenic stops at the Bentonite Hills, Lower South Desert Overlook, Upper South Desert Overlook, Upper Cathedral Valley Overlook, Cathedrals Trail, The Gypsum Sinkhole, Glass Mountain and the famous Temples of the Sun, Moon, and Stars. Refreshments will be provided as well as a stop for lunch and/or snacks. Insight into the history, both ancient, geologic, and recent, will be provided to add to the pure scenic spectacle that is an unforgettable memory and adventure.
Duration: 5 hours
Stop At: Bentonite Hills, Hartnet Road, UT, USA
We will drive across an other-worldly terrain of rainbow-striped clay deposits, stopping at two overlook spots offering amazing landscape views and photos.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Lower South Desert Overlook, Torrey, UT, USA
This overlook offers stunning views right from the parking area and even more beautiful vistas from the end of an easy, 1/4mile hike.
Guests will see the best view of the iconic Jailhouse Rock formation which is the centerpiece of the overlook.
Duration: 25 minutes
Stop At: Upper South Desert Overlook Road, Upper South Desert Overlook Rd, Utah, USA
A short spur road off of the main loop will bring guests to another short hike(optional) of 1/8mile to one of the highest overlook points on the tour. From this point, amazing views and photos await, spanning east and west up and down the valley below.
Duration: 25 minutes
Stop At: Upper Cathedral Valley Overlook, Utah, USA
Guests will be treated with a birds-eye view of the amazing monoliths and geology of Cathedral Valley below and a vista across the valley to the nearly twelve thousand foot high Thousand Lakes Mountain. A short, 1/4mile hike will bring those who wish to an even closer look at this amazing valley!
Duration: 25 minutes
Stop At: Cathedral Valley, Utah, USA
We will stop at one of several pull-outs in the lower Cathedral Valley to offer guests another opportunity to see and capture photographic memories of this iconic spot from another vantage point.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Gypsum Sinkhole, Utah, USA
This unique spot involves a short,1/10mile walk to peer down into a cavity left by forces of water, weight, and time dissolving a huge mineral formation. The surrounding alcove, with its towering, red-hued walls and amazing rock formations(hoodoos) is worth the stop even had the sinkhole never appeared!
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Temple of the Sun, Utah, USA
This stop will afford guests several stops, amazing vistas, and photographic opportunities. Included at this stop will be visits to the famous temples of the Sun and Moon, Glass Mountain(a house-sized Selenite crystal!), and views of the Temples of the Stars.
Duration: 40 minutes
