Upper Cathedral Valley Overlook

This short trail leading to the overlook heads north from the parking area and rises slightly through many black boulders to the top of a moderately steep slope, where it switchbacks quickly down to cross a sandy swale at the bottom. A very short ascent then leads to a large viewing area with a fine view of Upper Cathedral Valley.

To the north is a line of cathedrals of varying size and shape, and to their right stand some of the best fluted Entrada cliffs in the area. The overlook is above a small buttress that protrudes north toward the cathedrals and which is capped by the white Curtis Formation protecting the softer Entrada below.

This content was contributed by author Rick Stinchfield. For a comprehensive hiking guide to Capitol Reef National Park and to see more by Rick, click here.