Half-Day Temples of the Sun and Moon Tour — Capitol Reef Small-Group SUV Adventure
In four to five hours you can leave the main pullouts behind and stand beneath the Temples of the Sun and Moon. This small-group SUV tour routes you to quieter parts of Capitol Reef, pairing short walks with geology, fossils, and local history.
The Experience
Before You Go
Hydration first
Carry a reusable 1–2L water bottle; tour provides bottled water but you’ll want enough for sun-exposed stops.
Sun protection
Wide-brim hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses are non-negotiable — shade is scarce at viewpoints.
Footwear matters
Wear sturdy trail shoes with good grip; sandstone and sandy patches can be slippery underfoot.
Pack light for photos
Bring a small camera bag or strap; short hikes and vehicle transfers make large packs cumbersome.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Queen of the Wash — a lesser-visited wash with petroglyph-like markings and quiet canyon views
- •Small roadside fossil beds — ask the guide where subtle Jurassic bone fragments have been exposed
Wildlife
- •Mule deer
- •Pronghorn or golden eagles (seasonal)
Conservation Note
Stick to marked areas and stay off fragile cryptobiotic soil; the tour operator includes park fees that support maintenance and limits group sizes to reduce impact.
The Fremont River valley has long been a travel corridor: Indigenous groups used the land for food and trade before 19th-century Mormon settlers established orchards and ranches in Fruita.
Photographer's Notes
- • Highway 24 roadside overlook with sweeping temple vistas
- • At the base viewpoint for texture and scale shots
- • Dirt-track pullouts that frame temples with foreground scrub
What to Bring
Reusable water bottle (1–2L)Essential
Keeps you hydrated during sun-exposed stops and reduces plastic waste.
Sturdy trail shoesEssential
Provides traction on sandstone, gravel, and uneven terrain.
Sun hat and sunscreenEssential
Protects against intense desert sun during midday viewpoints.
Light windproof layer
Useful for cool mornings and gusty afternoons on exposed roads.
Common Questions
How long is the tour and what is the pace?
The tour lasts roughly 4–5 hours; it’s interpretive and relaxed with several short stops and one or two easy walks to viewpoints and fossil spots.
Are park fees included?
Yes — Capitol Reef park fees are included in the tour price.
Is this suitable for children and families?
Yes; the tour is family-friendly but children under 8 require a car seat provided by parents and short walks may be on uneven ground.
Can the tour accommodate mobility limitations?
Much of the route is roadside with short walks; contact the supplier in advance to discuss specific access needs and the distance of each stop.
What should I bring for photography?
Bring a camera with a mid-range zoom (70–200mm useful) and a small bag; golden hour and late afternoon offer the best light for monoliths.
What is the cancellation policy?
Full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before departure; tours may be canceled for bad weather.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
4–5 hours
Location
Torrey, Utah
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; expect mostly roadside stops with one or two short, uneven walks up to 20–30 minutes.
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