Hiking Cathedral Wash is beautiful and engaging. The trail is slightly technical, but that’s what makes it fun. You continuously go up and down the drainage rather than walking in a straight line. There are a few areas with climbing options, but if you follow the cairns, you can go all the way to the Colorado River without any equipment. The canyon walls provide some shade, and the ice-cold water from the Colorado River is a special treat on a hot summer day.
Directions to the Cathedral Wash Trailhead
To get to the trailhead, take the Lees Ferry access road 1.3 miles. The trailhead is at the pull-out on your left. You can access both upper and lower Cathedral Wash from this parking area.
Finding the trailhead can be tricky because if you blink, you miss it. There is a sign and a small pull-off area, but you will not see a parking lot, and if you happen to get to a parking lot, you have gone too far.
Hiking Lower Cathedral Wash
The hike to Lower Cathedral Wash is 3 miles round-trip. The hike begins by following a wash toward the Colorado River. There is only one direction you can go, but there are many ways down. Some paths require scrambling or canyoneering, but there is also a route that is not technical. I’m not a huge fan of cairns, but they are really helpful on this hike. The hike ends when you hit the Colorado River. On a hot day, a dip in the ice-cold river water makes for a nice treat before returning up the trail.
Hiking Upper Cathedral Wash
The hike to Upper Cathedral is 3 miles round-trip (there isn’t an official turnaround spot on the trail, but 1.5 miles seems to be where most people turn around.) The trail begins where the wash passes under the Lees Ferry Road and continues toward the Vermillion Cliffs.
The Upper section of the trail is nothing like the lower section, and it’s not as popular. The Upper Trail flows toward the desert rather than the river. The trail to the upper section is less challenging than the trail to the lower section, and it has a lot of really funky rock formations.
Glen Canyon Entry Fees
Cathedral Wash Trail is located inside Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Entry into the park is $30 per vehicle and can be purchased online or upon arrival. An America the Beautiful National Park pass will also get you in.
Be Aware of the Weather and Flash Flood Danger
Fun Fact
Cathedral Wash got its name from the church-like rock at the head of the canyon.
Nearby Hikes and Attractions
While you’re in the area, I recommend seeing Lee’s Ferry, Lonely Dell Ranch, Navajo Bridge, and Cliff Dwellers Lodge.
If you’re looking for a great nearby hike, I recommend Spencer’s Trail; it’s a steep hike, but it has amazing views!
Leave It Better Than You Found It
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