Upper South Desert Overlook Trail
The short, .4-mile roundtrip Upper South Desert Overlook offers, as the name would suggest, a great view over the upper reaches of South Desert.
Plan Around Upper South Desert Overlook Trail
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Upper South Desert Overlook Trail Details
The short, .4-mile roundtrip Upper South Desert Overlook Trail offers, as the name would suggest, a great view over the upper reaches of the South Desert, which is flanked to the north by steep cliffs and the Henry Mountains to the east. A short spur road that leaves Hartnet Road 27 miles from Hwy. 24 offers access to the trailhead. After walking across a short stretch of relatively level terrain, the path climbs steeply to the top of a rocky outcrop, which offers a 360-degree panorama. Hikers will turn around and return the way they came to get back to the trailhead. 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 often recommended — provide access to a number of short hikes, including the Upper South Desert Overlook. These aren't official, maintained trails, but rather include obstacles in canyons, which change frequently due to weather, flash floods and rock falls. Anyone who attempts these backcountry hikes 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
0.4 miles
Estimated time
< 30 min
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around Upper South Desert Overlook Trail
Compare nearby parks around Upper South Desert Overlook Trail when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Upper South Desert Overlook Trail
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Upper South Desert Overlook Trail while the map context is still fresh.
0.3 mi away
Upper Cathedral Valley Overlook Trail
The short .2-mile roundtrip Upper Cathedral Valley Overlook is an easy hike, highlighted by panoramic views of a line of monoliths in the valley known as the Cathedrals.
0.8 mi away
Cathedral Valley Campground
Cathedral Campground is one of Capitol Reef National Park's two primitive campgrounds.
0.9 mi away
Morrell Cabin Trail
This short, easy hike is .4-mile round trip, and begins 1.8 miles north of the junction of the Hartnet and Cathedral Roads.
1.0 mi away
Cathedrals Trail
The 2.4 mile out-and-back Cathedrals Trail hike follows along a low ridge line, which parallels the line of monoliths known as the Cathedrals.
2.6 mi away
Cathedral Valley Loop
One of the most popular ways to take in the Cathedral Valley is via the Cathedral Valley Loop Tour.
