Cathedral Valley Private 4x4 Tour — Temples of the Sun & Moon, Capitol Reef
A private 4x4 excursion into Cathedral Valley brings you face-to-face with the Temples of the Sun and Moon, Glass Mountain, and remote desert vistas few visitors see. This 4–5 hour luxury SUV tour blends geology, photography coaching and star-focused guidance in Capitol Reef's Dark Sky setting.
The Experience
Before You Go
Hydrate and bring extra water
Drinks are provided, but carry at least 1L extra per person—desert sun and bumpy roads increase thirst quickly.
Wear sun protection
Wide-brim hats, sunscreen and sunglasses matter—there’s little shade on viewpoints and UV is strong at elevation.
Expect rough roads
Roads are unpaved and can be washboarded; motion sensitivity or back issues may be aggravated—consider medication or seat choice.
Bring a tripod for night shots
If you want Milky Way photos, a stable tripod and intervalometer make the difference between blurred and crisp images.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Bentonite Hills — colorful clay mounds off the main viewpoint
- •A quiet alcove near a lesser-used wash with sandstone patterns perfect for macro photography
Wildlife
- •Desert bighorn sheep
- •Golden eagle
Conservation Note
Cathedral Valley is remote and fragile—stay on durable surfaces, pack out all waste and avoid collecting geological specimens to protect the landscape.
Early Mormon settlers traversed these cliffs and named features; archaeological sites from Fremont culture appear in the region’s record.
Photographer's Notes
- • Temples of the Sun viewpoint
- • Glass Mountain overlook
- • Bentonite Hills rim
What to Bring
Wide-brim sun hatEssential
Shields face and neck during long exposures to sun on open viewpoints.
Sturdy hiking shoesEssential
Needed for short walks across uneven sandstone and bentonite slopes.
Layered jacket (windproof)Essential
Mornings and evenings can be cold; wind is common on exposed ridgelines.
Camera with wide-angle lens & tripod
Essential for capturing the scale of the Temples and for Milky Way photography.
Common Questions
How long is the tour and where does it start?
Tours run about 4–5 hours and typically meet in Torrey at the Wayne County Tourism center; hotel pickup in the Torrey area can be arranged.
Are the roads suitable for all vehicles?
The tour uses high-clearance, luxury 4x4 SUVs; public roads into Cathedral Valley are rough and not recommended for low-clearance cars.
Can the tour be customized for photographers?
Yes—this private trip can be tailored for light, viewpoints, and night photography instruction in the Dark Sky Preserve.
Is the Fremont River crossed on this route?
Yes; the itinerary often includes fording the Fremont River, which guides do when conditions are safe.
Are meals provided?
Snacks and bottled water are included; lunches and dinners can be arranged on request.
Is this suitable for children or people with back issues?
Families are welcome, but the ride can be bumpy; not recommended for people with serious spinal conditions or severe motion sensitivity.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
4–5 hours
Location
Torrey, Utah
Difficulty
moderate
Fitness Level
Light to moderate fitness; primarily vehicle-based with short, easy walks to viewpoints and photo stops
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