Pros & cons
PROS
- Photogenic Entrada Sandstone monolith that glows at sunrise and sunset
- Remote, quiet stop with wide‑open valley views
- Near Temple of the Sun and quirky Glass Mountain
CONS
- Rough dirt access; high-clearance/4WD recommended and impassable after rain
- No facilities, water, or cell service; bring everything you need
Overview
Temple of the Moon is a freestanding fin of buff‑pink Entrada Sandstone rising roughly 285 feet above the flat floor of Cathedral Valley. It’s one of the district’s marquee monoliths—striking, isolated, and far from the park’s busy front country. Expect quiet, big skies, and a cathedral‑like silhouette carved over millions of years.
What You'll See
- A solitary sandstone tower set on a vast desert plain, with its larger neighbor, Temple of the Sun, just a short drive away.
- Nearby oddities like Glass Mountain, a mound of shiny selenite crystals, and colorful geologic layers along the approach.
- Minimal development: no buildings, no signs of civilization—just rock, sky, and silence.
Why It’s Special
Photographers love the soft, warm light that washes over the monolith at sunrise and sunset. The combination of shape, color, and solitude makes this feel like your own private landmark, especially compared to the park’s busier sights.
Access & Road Conditions
Reaching Cathedral Valley means committing to rough dirt roads. High clearance is strongly recommended; 4WD is safest, especially after rain when roads can become impassable. Navigation can be confusing, so download offline maps. There’s an informal dirt pullout near the base, but no formal parking or trail—most visitors simply wander on social paths around the formation.
Services (or Lack Thereof)
There are no restrooms, water, food, fuel, or shade on site—and typically no cell service. Bring everything you need, from water and snacks to a full tank of gas and a realistic plan for daylight.
Nearby Add‑Ons
Pair this stop with Temple of the Sun and a quick look at Glass Mountain to round out the area’s greatest hits. Much of the surrounding road network straddles BLM land and park land; dispersed camping is allowed outside the park boundary on BLM sections (mind the boundary signs and follow BLM rules).
Wildlife
This is sparse desert habitat. You might spot typical desert species—think pronghorn, jackrabbits, or birds of prey—but sightings are never guaranteed in this arid, open terrain.
Best Time to Visit
Sunrise and sunset bring the most flattering light and the best photos. Crowd levels are usually low at any time thanks to the remoteness, but always check weather and recent road conditions before you go.
Where it is
38.4458, -111.1915Tips for Temple of the Moon
- 01Download offline maps; signage is sparse and there’s no cell service.
- 02Carry extra water, snacks, and a full tank—there are no services out here.
- 03Aim for sunrise or sunset for the best color on the rock.
- 04Combine with Temple of the Sun and a quick stop at Glass Mountain.
- 05After any rain, expect mud and washouts—delay your trip if roads are wet.
Amenities
Near Temple of the Moon
All places →All trails →
0.4 mi awayTemple of the SunRemote sandstone monolith with knockout sunrise and sunset lightScenic Viewpoint
0.6 mi awayGlass MountainGlittering selenite mound beside the Temples in remote Cathedral ValleyPullout · Parking
3.1 mi awayLower South Desert OverlookBig‑sky rim view over the South Desert and Jailhouse RockPullout · Parking
6.8 mi awayBentonite HillsOtherworldly, banded clay hills along a remote Cathedral Valley roadScenic Viewpoint
7.8 mi awayGypsum Sinkhole TrailA five minute stroll to a 200 foot deep gypsum collapse pit.Easy · 0.1 mi · 30 min
9.2 mi awayUpper Cathedral Valley Overlook TrailTiny walk to a grand, quiet panorama of Cathedral Valley’s monolithsEasy · 0.2 mi · 6 min
9.3 mi awayUpper South Desert Overlook TrailQuick walk to sweeping Cathedral Valley views with big solitudeEasy · 0.5 mi · 15 min
10.9 mi awaySulphur Creek RoutePlayful creek walk with waterfalls, narrows, and easy shuttle logisticsModerate · 5.8 mi · 4 hr
