Capitol Reef National Park: Cathedral Valley off-road Jeep tour

4.9
(59 reviews)

6 to 7 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English and 1 more

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?"

The 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 Capitol Reef.
We offer two options for this tour: 1. Half Day and 2. Full Day.
1. Half-day tour will take you to the most beautiful and iconic features of Capitol Reef: Temple of the Sun, Temple of Moon, and The Glass Mountain. You will see grand vistas of the colorful Bentonite and Mancos Shale, Mars-like formations.
2. Full-day is an 7-9 hour long trip that will take you on a 60-mile Cathedral Valley loop to all 8 destinations detailed in the tour's itinerary of the "What to expect" session below.

What's Included

Bottled water
Air-conditioned vehicle
Gratuities

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

We are also available to pick up our guests at local short term rental properties (Airbnb, VRBO, etc) in the Torrey, Teasdale, Grover areas. Simply reach out to us prior to booking to confirm your lodging address is in our area and we will coordinate pickup.

OR
Meeting point

This pick-up address is The Hidden Falls gas station's parking lot. The same parking lot is shared with La Cueva restaurant. Park under a big green sign with gas prices on. Your tour guide will arrive in a SUV/Jeep with the letters MERIDIAN on it.

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 6 to 7 hours (approximately)
  • 1

    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. 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.

    4 hours Admission ticket not included
  • 2

    The road into this location takes you through some spectacular, rainbow-striped sedimentary hills of Jurrasic era deposits that need to be seen to be believed.

    15 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 3

    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 an even closer look at this amazing valley!

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 4

    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.

    20 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 5

    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.

    15 minutes Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Magnificient Entrada formation that represents the name of Cathedral Valley.

    Admission ticket free
  • 6

    This is where the story of The Glass Mountain ends. Possible pronghorn antelope viewing.

    20 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 7

    Sandstone iconic towers that only 1% of visitors to Capitol Reef National Park get to experience.

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 8

    A unique on Earth site where an enormous crystal lattice rises from the desert sands and glistens in the afternoon sunlight.

    15 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 9

    A knowledgeable guide will lead you around this iconic monolith and show you the best viewing and photography points.

    20 minutes Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Service animals allowed
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Not recommended for visually impaired travelers
Supplied by Meridian

Tags

Day Trips
Nature and Wildlife Tours
Private and Luxury
Private Sightseeing Tours
4WD Tours
Adventure Tours
Top Product
Low Supplier Cancellation Rate
Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate
Curated Catalog
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Rating

4.9 Based on 59 59 reviews
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