Gypsum Sinkhole Trail

Overview

This is the definition of big payoff for little effort: about 0.1 mile total (out and back) to a dramatic gypsum sinkhole in Capitol Reef’s remote Cathedral Valley. The walk itself is easy with minimal elevation change, but getting here is the adventure—expect rough roads and true backcountry isolation.

What You’ll See

The star is a nearly circular collapse pit roughly 50 feet across and about 200 feet deep. It’s a stark, sheer‑walled cavity set amid open high desert vistas—surreal, photogenic, and a little unnerving. Geology fans, this is your candy store: groundwater dissolved a buried gypsum plug from the Middle Jurassic Carmel Formation (~165 million years old), leaving a void that collapsed. It’s essentially the inverse process of nearby Glass Mountain, where gypsum grew upward; here, it was removed. The sinkhole itself is geologically young, forming within the last few million years.

Access and Parking

Trailhead access is via the Gypsum Sinkhole Spur Road in Cathedral Valley. You’ll park at the end of the spur and walk a short path to the rim. There are no facilities—no water, restrooms, or shade—so arrive self‑sufficient. High‑clearance, 4WD vehicles are strongly recommended, and after rain the clay roads can become impassable.

Safety First

This is one of those “looks harmless until it isn’t” places. The rim is soft and unstable; stay well back from the edge and keep your group tight. Collapse is a real hazard. Drones are not allowed in national parks, and this is not the place to test your balance for a photo.

Best Time to Hike

Spring and fall are the sweet spots—milder temps and typically better road conditions. Summer heat can be brutal with no shade, and winter or wet periods can shut the roads down completely. Even a quick storm can turn Cathedral Valley’s clay into a no‑go—always check weather and road status before committing.

Tips

• Photography: It’s tough to capture the depth. A wide‑angle for context and a zoom for texture helps—but safety beats any shot.
• Pair it with Glass Mountain for a quick, fascinating geology two‑fer in Cathedral Valley.
• Bring extra water and emergency supplies; you’re a long way from services.