Jailhouse Rock and Temple Rock Route
Capitol Reef's remote northern Cathedral District offers a number of trails, including the Jailhouse Rock and Temple Rock Route.
Plan Around Jailhouse Rock and Temple Rock Route
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Jailhouse Rock and Temple Rock Route Details
Capitol Reef's northern Cathedral District is a remote backcountry with no paved roads. In this stark area, the northern flanks of Waterpocket Fold give way to deserts, studded with monoliths and volcanic dikes and crags. Both the Cathedral and Hartnet roads, passable only with high-clearance vehicles — four-wheel drive recommended — provide access to a number of short hikes, including the Jailhouse Rock and Temple Rock Route. The Jailhouse Rock and Temple Rock Route is a 4.5-mile round trip, moderately strenuous hike beginning at the Lower South Desert Overlook northwest of Highway 24 via Hartnet Road. Hikers will first come to a viewpoint overlooking Jailhouse Rock, a large promontory that rises from the valley floor. Those who wish to continue on to Temple Rock will follow the twisting and turning track until it disappears along the valley floor. Here there's a faint single track, which leads around the north side of Jailhouse Rock across the South Desert and rejoins the road before reaching a low passage between volcanic dikes. Hikers should ascend the dike on the left for a view of Temple Rock, an eroded monolith of Entrada sandstone. From here, it's roughly 2.3 miles back to the trailhead at Lower South Desert Overlook. This isn't an official, maintained trails, but rather includes obstacles in canyons, and can change frequently due to weather, flash floods and rock falls. Anyone who attempts this backcountry hike must be a capable map and compass reader, and must not rely solely on unofficial route markers like rock cairns. Roads in the area are maintained infrequently, and often become impassable in winter or in rainy weather; be sure to check at the visitor center before setting out. At the south end of the Hartnet Road near Highway 24, vehicles must ford the Fremont River; there is no bridge. Vehicles should not attempt to cross the river during floods or any other time when the water is high. Remember, backcountry hikers should always let others know of their planned route and return times, and should carry extra food, water and sun protection.
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
2.3 miles
Estimated time
2-3 hours
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around Jailhouse Rock and Temple Rock Route
Compare nearby parks around Jailhouse Rock and Temple Rock Route when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Jailhouse Rock and Temple Rock Route
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Jailhouse Rock and Temple Rock Route while the map context is still fresh.
3.0 mi away
Lower Cathedral Valley Overlooks Route
This hike in the remote Cathedral District offers a unique bird's eye view of the Temples of the Sun and Moon Monoliths.
7.0 mi away
Cathedral Valley Loop
One of the most popular ways to take in the Cathedral Valley is via the Cathedral Valley Loop Tour.
7.2 mi away
Spring Canyon Routes
The Lower Spring Canyon trail is a strenuous 9.7-mile hike from the Chimney Rock parking area to the Fremont River.
7.4 mi away
Capitol Dome
Capitol Reef gets its name in part from the Capitol Dome, is white sandstone formation on the north side of Hwy. 24.
7.7 mi away
Navajo Dome
Navajo Dome is a massive rock that has been rounded and shaped by wind and water over the course of millions of years.
