Capitol Reef Private Half-Day: Temple of the Sun Family Tour from Torrey
Difficulty
easy
Duration
4–5 hours
Fitness Level
Light activity and short walks; suitable for families and most fitness levels.
Overview
Spend a family-friendly half day with a private guide exploring Capitol Reef’s Temples of the Sun and Moon. This roomy SUV tour unlocks viewpoints and short walks most visitors miss—ideal for families who want interpretation and comfort without long hikes.
Capitol Reef Private Half-Day: Temple of the Sun Family Tour from Torrey
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You slide into a roomy SUV and the highway drains away beneath a wide blue Utah sky. Red fins and banded walls rise like chapters in a geologic book as you drive Hwy 24 through Capitol Reef. The guide shuts off the engine at a roadside pullout and points: two monoliths—Temple of the Sun and Temple of the Moon—stand like weathered sculptures, sun carving them into dramatic relief. For a half day, this is your classroom and playground; the vehicle takes you where rental cars and day trippers rarely go, and short walks open up limestone ledges, hidden inscriptions, and, if you ask, clues to ancient life embedded in the rocks.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Bring a reusable water bottle
The operator provides bottled water, but a refillable insulated bottle saves waste and keeps you hydrated in desert heat.
Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes
Short walks over sandstone and rubble require traction—avoid flip-flops for safer footing at overlooks.
Time your tour for golden light
Book morning or late-afternoon departures to avoid midday heat and get the sandstone’s richest colors.
Car seat for young children
Parents must supply car seats for kids under 8—confirm at booking to keep pickup smooth.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Mule deer
- Red-tailed hawk
History
The Fruita area was settled by Mormon pioneers who cultivated orchards fed by the Fremont River; those orchards and petroglyphs link modern visitors to earlier peoples.
Conservation
The operator encourages reusable water containers and follows Leave No Trace principles; stick to designated stops to protect fragile desert crust and fossil sites.
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Adventure Hotspots in Torrey
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Reusable water bottle
Keeps you hydrated and reduces single-use plastic in the park.
summer specific
Hat and UV sunscreen
Sun can be intense on exposed rock; protect skin and eyes for comfortable stops.
all specific
Sturdy walking shoes
Provides traction on sandstone slabs and uneven trail sections near viewpoints.
all specific
Light windlayer
Useful for cool mornings or gusty canyon winds, especially in spring and fall.
spring specific