Cathedral Valley by 4x4

Capitol Reef's north end is a full-day loop on high-clearance roads with a river ford at the Fremont River. The payoff is giant sandstone monoliths rising off the desert floor, including the Temples of the Sun and Moon. Rain turns the clay roads to slick mud, so check conditions at the visitor center before you go.

Guided tours handle the driving and the route. If you'd rather drive yourself, Jeep rentals are available in Torrey, and most rentals require you to stay on maintained dirt roads.