Cathedral Valley roads question

We're heading to the Capitol Reef area in a few weeks and I'd like to see Cathedral Valley. For those of you who've been there, are the roads doable in a Subaru?
Thanks,
Paul

I think so.
At least I was able to do with my Subaru Baja a couple of years ago.
There were a few places that made me a bit nervous. Be sure to bring along the usual....spare tire, tools extra water, food, etc.

Paul,

I did it in a Chevy Tahoe, courtesy of the Salt Lakes Olympic Committee, in February, 2002! ;) We forded the stream on the southern route, over River Ford of the Fremont River, and I was a bit worried, and I'd be more worried in a Subaru, especially if there's more melt- or rainwater in the stream; you might have the same issues if you drive in from the east via the Caineville Wash. If you come in from the north via CR-921, that intersects with I-70 near Fremont Junction, you might have more luck, as I remember that route being dry, relatively flat, but also longer. Otherwise, I would have been quite comfortable driving the road in a pickup...

Good luck,

Tim!

Tim!

Whether or not you can ford the river from the south off of highway 24 will depend on the levels from spring runoff and recent rain. There are other (longer) ways to get there though. The best thing to do would be to check with the rangers at the visitors center when you arrive about water level of the river and road conditions.

If you're concerned about the River Ford take the Caineville Wash Road instead. It gives you a few unique views of Factory Butte as an added bonus. Last time I was there I rented a Jeep Wrangler from a tour guide who operated from the Best Western in Torrey, they're a nice group of people. Using CWR, I found the clearance of the Jeep was nice in a couple of places before you cross the wash, but I never even engaged the 4wd. I think that route is very doable in a Subaru with some care in a couple spots. Do NOT attempt it though if there has been recent rain. A good portion of the trails from the lower to upper valleys consist of a clay-like soil that becomes a slippery soup, impassable even with 4wd, when they're wet. I'd say that you're likely to have better luck with the weather during this time of year than in monsoon season though. Have fun and good luck!

I would advise coming in from the north to avoid the river on the south. I'd like to hear your experience as the last time I was down there, I was driving a Nissan Pathfinder and am now driving a Subaru Impreza WRX (and don't think water will do wonders for the turbo).

My memory is faint (as I was there in 2004), but I think I went north through Loa, and took a right after the 2nd cattle guard. I'm trying to look at the online maps, at I cannot see any cattle guards, but it looks like FS206 will take you into Cathedral Valley Rd (if I remember right, you will see signs for Fishlake). Great set of 6 campsites inside the park, go a little south for a great overlook of the north part of the valley.

I hope this helps. My apologies for the fuzzy memory.

Thanks for the tips everyone. Much appreciated.

Paul,
If you ford the stream at the beginning of your journey stop and look at it first. Enter the stream and hug the right bank and drive downstream about 30 yards (fuzzy memory) until you are just about directly across from the exit, then make the left to cross the stream and exit safely. The water gets a little deep in the middle and against the opposite bank, but not bad at all if you follow the directions. We did it last march in a 1999 Cherokee (no lift kit). If going this direction the road can get a little rough past the campground down to the valley floor. The info desk at the visitor center will tell you a 2wd with some clearance will suffice. Good luck and enjoy the journey!

Good information above, but keep in mind this is spring runoff season and the river can run pretty high (and spike on the occasional spring thunderstorm). You can get current flow information online:

http://www.wkcc.org/levels/?D=6p3#A6p3

If you plan to go in from Hartnet (river ford), definitely check with the visitor's center first.
Whichever way you go in, check the forecast. The road is impassable when wet (clay becomes extremely slippery).

Guy

You've gotten good solid advice already Paul, not to much I can add, except a couple videos I have of the river ford. Have a great trip!

March 31st, 2007

April 5th, 2008

Thanks for the additional info and, Brent, those videos were very helpful.

Thanks for posting those videos, Brent.
I came in via Caineville and never made it as far as the river crossing.

As Guy noted, stay off this road completely if rain is forecast or has occurred recently.

Thanks for all the info guys. It was very timely as I hope to get to Cathedral Valley for the first time later this week!