Length: .5 mi (.8 km)
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Route Type: Out and Back
Difficulty: Easy
Jailhouse Rock is located in the Cathedral Valley District, also known as the North District, in Capitol Reef National Park. It is one of the first stops along the Cathedral Valley Loop Drive. Jailhouse Rock is visible from the Lower South Desert Overlook. This formation, made from Entrada Sandstone, is 500 ft (152 m) tall! “From Lower South Desert Overlook (located midway through the valley) viewers can see rock layers ranging from the gray, ledgy Morrison atop the cliffs to the east to the white Navajo Sandstone slickrock and domes high on top of the Fold.” (NPS)
Accessing Jailhouse Rock in Cathedral Valley
Starting Location: Lower South Desert Overlook Trailhead, Torrey, UT
GPS (DD): 38.404315, -111.203812
There are a few different ways to access the Jailhouse Rock. All methods will take you to unpaved roads that will have varying conditions depending upon the time of year and current weather. A high-clearance, 2WD/4WD vehicle is recommended. (This does not include ATVs/UTVs, even street ones, which are not allowed in Capitol Reef National Park.) To make your trip easier, there are jeep rentals based in Torrey, UT that I highly recommend.
Be sure to check the current road conditions before venturing out. Some of the roads can become impassable when wet. You can ask at the Visitor Center, check the current conditions at the NPS website, or call 435-425-3791 (press #1 for information and then #4 for current road conditions). This phone number will also give you access to the current weather conditions and the harvest and blossom schedule for the Fruita orchards.
The most popular way to experience Cathedral Valley is by taking the Cathedral Valley Loop drive in a clockwise direction, beginning on Hartnet Road. The entire loop will take you 6-8 hours to drive and explore, so if you choose to go this route, plan accordingly.
The Hartnet Road entrance requires you to drive a short distance in the Fremont River. You read that right. Not over…in. There is no driving bridge that crosses the Fremont River on this route. (Here is a link to a map for the Hartnet Road River Ford) As the water levels vary, you will want to make sure to check the above references for the current conditions. Once you ford the Fremont River, after about 8.5 mi (13.68 km) you will arrive at the Bentonite Hills. While not technically in Capitol Reef National Park, they are a beautiful location and well worth photographing.
About five miles beyond the Bentonite Hills, you will see a turn out on your left. (GPS DD: 38.402163, -111.185543) This unpaved road, Jailhouse Road, will take you to the trailhead for the Lower South Desert Overlook. At the end of this road, you will want to hike the short .25 mi (.4 km) to the overlook. According to Live and Let Hike, “There is no well-worn trail, but the direction—following an old, rutted two-track—is relatively straightforward. Though the viewpoint is not marked, you will know it when you’re there: the shelf suddenly drops off, affording a terrific view of the sandy South Desert below.” Although Jailhouse Rock will be visible from the trailhead entrance, the best unobstructed views will be found at the overlook.
There is a hiking trail that continues on to the base of Jailhouse Rock as well as Temple Rock and Deep Creek. I haven’t done it, but have read that it is a fairly steep descent. If you decide to hike closer, use extreme caution and bring extra supplies with you.
If you continue to do the Cathedral Valley Loop drive, be sure to visit the Upper Cathedral Valley Overlook, Gypsum Sinkhole, Glass Mountain, and the Temples of the Sun and Moon! (This article, from Dirt in my Shoes, beautifully showcases the entire Cathedral Valley Loop drive.) The loop ultimately ends when it reaches the main, paved road, UT-24 W. Turn right on UT-24 W if you want to return back to Capitol Reef National Park.
If you don’t want to ford the Fremont River, you can also access Cathedral Valley from the north via Poll Creek Road, Baker Ranch Road, or Oil Well Bench Road depending upon where your starting location is. (Check the National Park website for complete driving distances from each location.)
Driving and Hiking Tips at the Cathedral Valley
Cathedral Valley is located in a remote part of Capitol Reef National Park. As such, you need to use extreme caution when planning your trip. Here are some tips!
Be Prepared for the Unexpected
Due to its remote location, Cathedral Valley is less visited than the other areas in Capitol Reef National Park. Because of that, you need to be prepared for constantly changing conditions as well as the possibility of becoming stranded. While not always the case, it is possible to come across a muddy or sandy area that will be difficult for you to navigate, especially after spring and summer rains or winter snow. Depending upon the weather, some areas may become impassable. Remember to ask a park ranger at the Capitol Reef Visitor Center, or call the main number, 435-425-3791, for the current conditions. (Press #1 for information, and then #4 for current road conditions. For weather conditions press #3.) (NPS)
Recommended Emergency Supplies in Cathedral Valley
Whenever you are hiking or off-roading, it is always a good idea to bring extra emergency supplies with you as help may not come for several hours to several days. Here is a small list of recommended items to bring when you visit Jailhouse Rock:
- Water
- Food
- Gas
- Extra Clothing/Layers
- A Shovel
- Toilet Paper/Wipes and Bags (Remember to leave no trace ;))
- First Aid Kit
- Map
- Additional Emergency Supplies (Click here for a complete list of our recommended photography and hiking gear)
There is no potable water in Cathedral Valley and there are no bathrooms, aside from a pit toilet found at the primitive campsite on the north end of Cathedral Valley. Bring more water than you think you need. If you are not comfortable going to the bathroom outside, you may also want to bring a small pop-up tent and portable toilet with you.
Be Prepared for Limited to no Cell Service
There is limited to no cell phone service in Cathedral Valley. Because of that, it is a good idea to let someone know where you are going as a backup in case something happens. Even a screenshot text to a friend or family member prior to entering the area would work.
It would also be helpful to have some sort of map or GPS-tracking device to help you navigate the trails and roads. Even when you don’t think you will get lost, if the trails or roads are poorly marked, it is a possibility. Some GPS trackers, like the Garmin inReach and the Garmin inReach Mini, can also communicate your location to others. At a minimum, have a printed copy of the maps and hiking trails or download them to your phone.
Best Time of Year to Visit Jailhouse Rock in Cathedral Valley
Cathedral Valley is open year-round. Due to extreme heat in the summer and freezing temperatures in the winter, spring and fall are generally considered the best times of year to visit and photograph Jailhouse Rock. The roads are generally regraded in Cathedral Valley just after the snow melts in the early spring. Going at this time of year will allow for the smoothest possible driving conditions. That said, the temperature and weather can vary greatly in the spring. We had snow, rain, freezing temps, and then warm sun during our trip to Capitol Reef in early April. This created a beautiful contrast against the red rock, but also delayed our trip into Cathedral Valley by one day due to poor weather conditions. Be sure to check the local weather forecast before heading into Cathedral Valley. If I were to do it again, I might consider going in mid to late May.
Photographing Jailhouse Rock
As with any landscape photography, early morning and late evening light will bring the best lighting conditions. The low angles of the sun will illuminate different sections of Jailhouse Rock, creating drama and depth. The evening light also makes the red rock shine. Be sure to bring a wide angle lens with you as well as a decent zoom lens for different angles and detail.
Find Your Favorite Location
No matter where you go in Capitol Reef National Park, be sure to take your time and find your favorite location along the way. If you are lucky, you may even spot some wildlife! Don’t forget to add detailed macro shots, change your perspective, and most importantly have fun.
Before making your trip, consider checking the official Capitol Reef National Park website or contacting the park’s visitor center for the most up-to-date information on trail conditions, accessibility, and any recent changes. As with any visit to a national park, it’s important to follow park regulations, practice “Leave No Trace” principles, and prioritize safety while exploring this beautiful area. I hope you enjoy your time photographing Jailhouse Rock!
Happy Travels!
Juventa, Co-Owner, National Park Photographer
Want to learn more about Capitol Reef National Park? Check out these maps, guides & books:
- Capitol Reef National Park Map (National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map)
- Best Easy Day Hikes Capitol Reef National Park (Best Easy Day Hikes Series)
- Capitol Reef National Park: The Complete Hiking and Touring Guide
- The Capitol Reef Reader (National Park Readers)
- Photographing Arches, Canyonlands and Capitol Reef National Parks
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