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
Hikes in the Area
There are several beautiful hikes near Lee’s Ferry, offering a variety of scenery and difficulty levels. Here are some notable ones.
Cliff Dwellers
The Cliff Dwellers is an easy-to-access roadside attraction with an exciting story. It is located off Highway 89A in Marble Canyon near the entrance to Lee’s Ferry. You will see massive boulders all around, and then you will see a house-like structure made out of a boulder and other small rocks.
Lees Ferry
Lees Ferry is a historic site in northern Arizona near the beginning of the Grand Canyon. It is the starting point for river rafting trips down the Colorado River and is known for its scenic beauty and rich cultural history. You will pass the pull off for Cathedral Wash on your way to Lees Ferry.
Lonely Dell Ranch
Lonely Dell Ranch, located near Lees Ferry in northern Arizona, offers a glimpse into the region’s rich pioneer history. This historic site features well-preserved buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including a ranch house, barn, and schoolhouse. Most visitors spend around 30 minutes to an hour exploring the site and scenery.
Navajo Bridge
Navajo Bridge is a historic landmark located near Marble Canyon in northern Arizona, spanning the Colorado River.
Spencer Trail
Spencer Trail near Lees Ferry offers a scenic and challenging hike with views of the Colorado River and Vermilion Cliffs. The trail is considered to be moderate to strenuous, as the trail involves steep inclines, rocky terrain, and exposed sections along the canyon rim. Spencer Trail is approximately 4 miles round trip, with an elevation gain of around 1,500 feet.
Sun Valley Mine Trail
The Sun Valley Mine Trail offers hikers a glimpse into the area’s mining history while providing scenic views of the surrounding landscape. The trail is considered to be easy to moderate and is approximately 2 miles round trip.
Leave It Better Than You Found It
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