Scramble down Cathedral Wash Trail
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
Follow Cathedral Wash trail as it climbs down to meet the Colorado River on its sandy bank. The 3 miles (4.8 km) round-trip challenging hike descend into the rocky wash, traveling through the Kaibab Limestone and Toroweap Formations of the Grand Canyon Group. Some rock scrambling required.
Scenic Hike Canyon walls rise as you follow a mostly dry wash to the Colorado River. This adventure has no major technical challenges, but scrambling and careful decision-making are needed to choose safe routes over ledges and drop-offs. Named after church-like Cathedral Rock at the head of this small canyon, your journey will take you deeper and deeper through Kaibab Limestone and Toroweap Formations until ending at the river, where canyon debris created Cathedral Wash Rapid. Come Prepared While this hike is quite scenic and popular, please know your limits. The wash layout changes throughout the year due to flash floods, rockfalls, and weather. It is easy to cliff out, overheat, or get stuck in mud. Bring good shoes, water, and and any other hiking essentials you need. Securing ropes for technical climbing is not permitted. DO NOT enter this wash if rain is forecasted. Flash floods can be deadly.
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3-4 Hours
This time does not account for breaks, sightseeing, or picnics along the river.
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Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
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Steep trail descends multiple times onto uneven rock surface. Not recomended for anyone without rock canyon experience. No flat surfaces, no railings. Rock scrabbles, narrow ledges, soft sand and puddles found along the trail leading to a soft sand riverbank.
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All ages who are able to hike this difficult canyon or be carried through it are welcome.
How to get to Cathedral Wash Trail Head