Pros & cons
PROS
- Two distinct overlooks a few minutes apart for varied photo angles
- Reliable solitude thanks to the remote Cathedral Valley location
CONS
- Rough, potentially impassable dirt access roads after storms
- No shade or water; fully exposed rim environment
Small dirt pullout at the overlook trailhead off the Cathedral Valley loop/Hartnet Road; minimal signage.
Unmaintained route; do not rely on cairns. High-clearance recommended for access roads, which can become impassable after rain or snow. Exposed cliff edges—watch footing and keep back from the rim. No water or shade.
Overview
A tiny hike with huge payoff. This short, easy out-and-back leaves a small parking area on the Cathedral Valley loop and reaches the rim of the South Desert in minutes. Expect broad, cinematic views across a vast basin framed by colorful cliffs and buttes—classic Cathedral Valley scenery with very little effort.
Route Details
The walk is about 0.5 miles round trip with roughly 65 feet of elevation gain. It’s mostly flat to the first overlook, then a brief, slightly steeper rise to a second, higher vantage. The path is on natural dirt and rock and is unmaintained; footing is generally straightforward but uneven in places. Pets aren’t allowed on park trails.
What You’ll See
Two distinct overlooks deliver different angles on the South Desert—one from a broad, flat ledge and another from a rounded hill with a wider panorama. Photographers love the layered desert palette and vast scale; bring a camera and take your time.
Access and Road Conditions
Getting here is the crux: the route sits in Capitol Reef’s remote Cathedral Valley. Access roads are unpaved, rough, and can become impassable after rain or snow. High-clearance is recommended; always check conditions before committing. Signage is minimal, and routes in this district aren’t formally maintained.
Tips & Essentials
There’s no shade or water. Pack plenty of water and sun protection. Carry a map and don’t rely on cairns—markers may be absent or misleading. This is a quick family-friendly outing once you’re there, but treat the drive and the exposure near the rim with respect.
Best Time to Hike
Spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures. Some hikers prefer late May through mid-October for generally stable conditions, but storms can quickly change road status. Crowds are rare here year-round; solitude is part of the draw.
Elevation
0.5 mi · 15 minWhere it starts
38.4781, -111.3579Near Upper South Desert Overlook Trail
All places →All trails →
0.1 mi awayUpper Cathedral Valley OverlookBig, lonely views over cathedral-like monoliths of the valleyPullout · Parking
0.1 mi awayUpper Cathedral Valley Overlook TrailTiny walk to a grand, quiet panorama of Cathedral Valley’s monolithsEasy · 0.2 mi · 6 min
0.5 mi awayUpper South Desert OverlookQuick walk to sweeping South Desert and Waterpocket Fold viewsTrailhead · Pullout
0.6 mi awayLesley Morrell Line CabinRemote cowboy line cabin with big Cathedral Valley solitudeExhibit
0.6 mi awayCathedral Valley CampgroundTiny, free campground with stars and silence for daysCampground · Restroom
2.5 mi awayGypsum Sinkhole TrailA five minute stroll to a 200 foot deep gypsum collapse pit.Easy · 0.1 mi · 30 min
11.6 mi awaySulphur Creek RoutePlayful creek walk with waterfalls, narrows, and easy shuttle logisticsModerate · 5.8 mi · 4 hr
11.6 mi awayUpper Spring Canyon TrailRemote Wingate canyon epic with solitude, slots, and route findingChallenging · 18.7 mi · 10 hr
