Jailhouse Rock and Temple Rock Route

This is a 4.5-mile round trip from Lower South Desert Overlook to a high vantage of Temple Rock; allow 2–3 hours for the moderate walk. An old road leads toward Jailhouse Rock, then a switchbacking track and faint single track carry you across the South Desert to the dike viewpoint before you return the same way.

The track fades on the valley floor. Follow the faint path around the north side of Jailhouse Rock; it crosses open ground and rejoins the road before a low passage between volcanic dikes. This is an unmaintained route, so bring reliable navigation and don't rely on cairns alone.

Climb the dike on the left for the view of Temple Rock, an eroded Entrada Sandstone monolith. From the high vantage, frame the monolith against the broad South Desert below; this is the walk's signature view.

Lower South Desert Overlook is 15.2 road miles northwest of Highway 24 via Hartnet Road. The access roads require high clearance; four-wheel drive is often recommended. There is no potable water in Cathedral Valley, and pets are prohibited on trails and in backcountry areas.

The separate short walk at Lower South Desert Overlook reaches a view of Jailhouse Rock in about a quarter mile round trip. It stops well before Temple Rock, so it isn't a shortened version of this route.