Trail Overview

This is a very non-technical road that connects from the Cathedral Valley trail up to Elkhorn Road by Fish Lake. What the road lacks in technical fun and challenges it more than makes up for with sweeping vistas of the Capitol Reef area as well as Thousand Lake Mountain. It can be driven in either direction just as easily. There is an extensive network of lesser trails in the area with lots of campsites, most undeveloped. It is not maintained and will be impassable during late fall, all winter, and early spring.

Photos of Thousand Lake Mountain Road

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Difficulty

Wide enough for two vehicles in most sections and level, graded dirt the full way.

Technical Rating

Geovanne Figueroa

Jul 12, 2026

Open

NormalWashboard

This trail was so beautiful. My wife and i camped along the trail . There was plenty of different camping spots as well. A little bit of washboard but overall a great trail !

Cory Lecce

Apr 13, 2026

2022 Ram 3500

Open

Snow/Ice

Fun road. Awesome snowy conditions. Only a couple inches… if that. but made it fun and a beautiful drive

Mike Capps

Jan 18, 2026

2016 Subaru Crosstrek

Open

NormalMuddy/WetSnow/Ice

The trail is great heading west from the NP. A few patches of snow, ice, and mud, but very minimal and of no concern. We haven't had much snow this year. If you visit after this date, make sure you check if it's snowed recently. I turned north onto Baker Ranch road. If you try going further up the mountain, guaranteed conditions will get worse. Beautiful and quiet up there this time of year.

Alex LaBarge

Sep 19, 2025

2018 Toyota Tacoma

Open

Normal

Going up from the SR-72 side there are signs that ask you to run in 4WD to preserve road surface. Most of the route could be run in 2WD without issue.

Al Smith

Sep 15, 2025

Open

Normal

David E

Jul 25, 2025

2022 Rivian R1T

Open

Dusty

Main challenge is that the road is windy and has poor visibility in areas so be ready for TVs and trailers.

Cornholio P

Mar 29, 2025

2022 Jeep Gladiator

Open

NormalMuddy/Wet

A nice drive with a few muddy spots. We left Cathedral Valley Campground and hoped to do Elk Mountain but it was too snowy and icy focus being by ourselves.

Michael Riyanto

Apr 24, 2024

Obstructed

Deep Snow