This Place is Special | Driving the Cathedral Valley Loop | Capitol Reef National Park

Cathedral Valley Loop
To finish out our time in Capitol Reef we saved the best for last. We set out on an overland on the Cathedral Valley Loop with every intention of sleeping under the stars in this spiritual wasteland. Of course other plans can sometimes get in the way so we decided to complete the loop, which came with a huge reward at the golden hour, when we got to the Temples of the Sun and Moon. The loop will take you past gem after gem, such as the bentonite hills, breathtaking vistas of the desert, buttressed cathedral walls, the gypsum sinkhole, glass mountain and of course the famed temples.
Last year we woke atop Mount Le Conte in the Smokies to the sound of bagpipes on Easter Sunday. Spending Easter in spiritual places is accidently becoming somewhat of a tradition for us.
The Cathedral Valley Loop
-It is 96 miles, no gas or water available, so come prepared.
-The total drive took us 7 hours and 45 minutes, that is with lots of stops.
-Recommended to start at the Freemont River ford (it was no more than 24 inches when we crossed)
-Be sure to air down tires, the road is mostly washboard and rocky.
-A guide book is available at the park visitors center with a map and self guided tour.
-Cell service is available at a few high points, aside from that, there is none.

[@walterbright1396]

Thanks for taking me along with your video. That campground looks awesome. I tried to mt. Bike this 20 years ago. Sand, heat, mud steep hills were no problem. There were killer flies that even 100% DEET would not repel. It seemed to attract them. I was forced to abort before they carried me away. I have to go back if for nothing else than that campground, this time with 4 wheels.

[@verramagnus381]

If those flies are the ones I'm thinking of, we call them cedar gnats and they have a very short lifespan. It's unfortunate that you encountered them, as they only come out for a few weeks between spring and summer.

[@gracehaven7708]

Wow great photography!

[@carolschuh5947]

Awesome video guys. Beautiful breathtaking country. Just wanted to tell ya....😊

[@crawfordhikes]

Thank you so much! It truly is!

[@bryanlackey7862]

Great video. Can you provide a link to the map you show at the 1:24 mark?

[@crawfordhikes]

Unfortunately, the map comes from the Cathedral Loop Road Guide which is published by NPS and isn't online as far as I can find. We purchased our at the visitors center and I wouldn't recommend going without it. It offers details on each point of interest and all the tips you should need for the drive.

[@bryanlackey7862]

@@crawfordhikes Thanks