Temple of the Sun and Moon Guide: Cathedral Valley, Utah

If you’re eager to escape the crowds of Capitol Reef National Park, drive up to Cathedral Valley, an underrated Utah gem that houses the iconic Temple of the Sun and Moon. This guide lays out everything you need to know about the Temple of the Sun and Moon, more things to do in Cathedral Valley, where to stay the night, and more!

ℹ️ About the Temple of the Sun and Moon

The Temple of the Sun and Temple of the Moon are two iconic sandstone formations located in Capitol Reef National Park’s rugged Cathedral Valley District, roughly 90 minutes north of the main park area. Named by Charles Kelly in the 1940s, the first superintendent of Capitol Reef National Monument, these temples were sculpted over millions of years by wind and water erosion. Now they stand as some of Utah’s most spectacular and unique desert scenery.

🚗 How to Get to the Temple of the Sun and Moon

Navigating the entirety of the 58-mile (93-km) Cathedral Valley Loop requires a high-clearance vehicle, with a 4×4 often strongly recommended. That being said, if you’re solely interested in seeing the Temple of the Sun and Moon, located at the top of the loop, the drive might be doable without such a vehicle (depending on conditions).

⏰ When to Visit the Temple of the Sun and Moon

We visited the Temple of the Sun and the Moon in April of 2025, arriving just 45 minutes after sunrise, and enjoyed breakfast on our roof for over an hour. We had the area entirely to ourselves for a couple of hours, after seeing 4 or so cars leave after sunrise. Other good times to come include sunrise, sunset, or in the middle of the night if you’re interested in astrophotography.

🏜️ Exploring the Cathedral Valley Loop

While the Temples of the Sun and Moon are magnificent, we recommend exploring more of the Cathedral Valley Loop if you have the time. The entire loop is 58 miles (93 km) and takes around 4 hours without stops, though with detours and photo breaks, it can extend to a 6-8 hour full-day adventure.

Our journey took us along the northern section of the loop, which is a popular alternative for those wanting to avoid the river crossing or simply make a shorter trip. The road here, particularly to the Temples, was generally manageable, though we did encounter a few short sections of soft sand that required careful navigation. We saw several trucks and a few dedicated bikepackers, who had to walk their bikes through these brief sandy spots.

An important note on navigation: the most common way to start the loop is from the west via Hartnet Road, which begins with a river crossing that can be impassable depending on the season and recent rainfall. To avoid this and access the Temples directly, we recommend entering from the east via Cathedral Road near the town of Caineville. This allows you to “backtrack” on the loop to the Temples and other northern sites without having to ford the river.

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Things to Do on the Cathedral Valley Loop

While the Temples of the Sun and Moon are undoubtedly the stars, the entire Cathedral Valley Loop offers an array of geological formations and historical sites. Below, we’ve listed some of the most iconic ones to give you an idea of what to expect.

• Glass Mountain: Located right by the temples, this large mound is made up of large, shimmering selenite (gypsum) crystals that sparkle in the sunlight.
• Gypsum Sinkhole: A massive deep depression that was formed by the dissolution of gypsum deposits.
• Morrell Cabin: A preserved historic cowboy cabin that points to the area’s ranching past.
• Cathedral Valley Campground: This is a primitive campground run by the NPS, which is completely free to stay at if you score a spot.
• Bentonite Hills: Anotherworldly landscape of eroded clay hills in shades of purple, green, gray, and red, resembling a painted desert.
• Lower & Upper South Desert Overlooks: These viewpoints offer views of the South Desert and Jailhouse Rock, another iconic monolith of Cathedral Valley.
• Upper Cathedral Valley Overlook: Panoramic view of the Cathedrals themselves, the line of towering monoliths that stretch across the valley floor.
• Fremont River Ford: While more of a navigational point than a scenic stop, this river crossing on Hartnet Road is a significant feature for anyone attempting the full loop from the west.

Off-Roading Gear

We have AWD and simply kept up our speed, although we recommend traveling with off-roading gear if you’re setting out to drive the entire loop:

• Shovel: Useful if you need to dig out the sand around your tires.
• Tire Deflator: Deflating tires can help with the roughness of the road and add grip to the sand.
• Air Compressor: Used for inflating your tires once again after you’ve finished the loop.

❓ How to Visit Cathedral Valley Without a 4X4 Vehicle

No high-clearance, 4×4 vehicle? No problem! There are two ways to get to Cathedral Valley, even if your vehicle isn’t suited for the adventure, or just not with you:

1. Join a Guided Tour: We found several guided tours and experiences on sites like GetYourGuide and Viator for Cathedral Valley. Here are 3 that stood out to us:
   • Capitol Reef Temples of the Sun & Moon Private Tour: $210/person
   • Cathedral Valley, Capitol Reef, Private 4X4 Trip: $220/person
   • Cathedral Valley Photo Tour: $249/person
2. Rent a Car: Another option is to rent a high clearance vehicle with 4×4 drive to take you through Cathedral Valley yourself. Nearby rental car companies will have had customers looking for vehicles fit for the backroads of Cathedral Valley, so you can mention this when picking out a car.

💲How Much Does it Cost to Visit the Temple of the Sun and Moon?

There is no additional fee beyond the $20 Capitol Reef Park Entrance fee to visit this rugged area of the park. Although there are no formal checkpoints for the park here, as you’re visiting a National Park, you need to have paid the park fee and leave it somewhere visible. The National Park Service regularly passes through to check passes in vehicles parked in Cathedral Valley.

🏕️ Where to Stay Near Temple of the Sun and Moon

There are several free BLM spots dotted throughout Cathedral Valley, as well as a free backcountry campground run by Capitol Reef National Park. The closest town to Cathedral Valley, where you can find hotels and other lodging options, is Caineville, Utah. Here’s a breakdown of all of the accommodations.

• Cathedral Valley Campground: Located on Cathedral Valley Loop Road, this primitive NPS campground is free, first-come first-serve, and has a total of 6 sites. There is a pit toilet but no running water.
• BLM Camping: Vast areas of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land surround Cathedral Valley, offering lots of options for dispersed camping. These primitive sites are perfect for those travelling in a van like us. We stayed a night at this one, only about 0.25 miles outside of the Temple of the Sun and Moon at the start of Cathedral Road.
• Cathedral Valley Inn: This hotel is located a 47-minute drive from the Temple of the Sun and Moon in Caineville, Utah.

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🗒️ Things to Know Before You Go

1. Prepare for No Cell Service: There is no cell service for the entirety of the loop, so make sure you have plenty of food, water, a spare tire, toiletries, a full tank of gas, and have any maps you may need downloaded beforehand.
2. Check Road Conditions: Always inquire at the Capitol Reef Visitor Center about current road status, especially for crossing the Fremont River ford.
3. Sun Safety: Protect yourself from the intense desert sun with hats, sunscreen, and abundant water, especially in summer.
4. Leave No Trace: Strictly adhere to Leave No Trace principles; pack out all trash and leave natural features undisturbed.
5. Drive Cautiously: Maintain a slow, controlled speed to safely navigate numerous potholes and rough terrain.
6. Protect Your Vehicle: Avoid spinning wheels in soft sand, and never straddle large rocks that could damage the bottom of your vehicle.
7. Pet Regulations: Dogs are welcome on roads (leashed, within 50 ft of a vehicle) but are not permitted on hiking trails.
8. Share Your Plans: Due to the remote nature, always inform someone of your itinerary before heading into Cathedral Valley, especially when traveling solo.

Read Next:

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