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Cathedral Wash

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Difficult Difficult
 4.9 (22)
  1. Areas
  2. AZ
  3. …Flagstaff and Northern AZ
  4. Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
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“Short and sweet slot canyon that ends on the banks of the Colorado River. Serious fun! ”

Almonzo Wilder
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Map Key

3.3

Miles

5.3

KM

Out and Back

3,442' 1,049 m

High

3,104' 946 m

Low

356' 109 m

Up

354' 108 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

12%

Max Grade (7°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Geological Significance · River/Creek · Views

Family Friendly Great for kids who enjoy tougher hikes and rock scrambling

Overview

Cathedral Wash is a short and scenic slot canyon with easy access and big rewards. This moderate adventure has no major technical challenges, though there is some scrambling and care should be taken to choose safe routes over ledges and dropoffs. And as with any hike in this desert wilderness, needs to be taken seriously with respect to heat and weather.

Need to Know

This canyon has potential for flash flooding. Avoid if there is a chance of storms in the area. Following recent rain or snow, there may be pools of water and soft mud in the canyon bottom. Usually these can be bypassed, but be prepared for variable conditions.

Description

The trailhead for Cathedral Wash is 1.3 miles north of Navajo Bridge on the road to Lee's Ferry. From the parking pullout head east into lower Cathedral Wash, which at this point is a shallow sandy arroyo going under the road. Soon after you emerge from road overpass, canyon walls rise above and the scenery improves dramatically. Farther on, the wash develops into a true slot canyon with sheer walls, fantastic geology, and not much sunlight penetrating to the canyon bottom.

While most of the walking is easy, there are a few ledges that require some scrambling and care should be taken to scout the best route. At one place in particular, there is a large dryfall that takes careful navigation to find the easiest way. Some people choose to turn around here if not comfortable with the down climbing.

Beyond that point it is easier rock hopping and scrambling. Eventually Cathedral Wash opens up at the Colorado River within Marble Canyon. Because the Glen Canyon Dam is not far upstream, the river typically runs clear and cold here.

Enjoy the scenery, which may include groups of rafters just beginning their trips through the Grand Canyon from the Lee's Ferry launch ramp a few miles above. When you're done soaking in the canyon scenery, head back up the way you came.

Shared By:

Almonzo Wilder with improvements by Jesse Weber
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.9 from 22 votes

#1

in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

#402

Overall
  4.9 from 22 votes
5 Star
95%
4 Star
0%
3 Star
5%
2 Star
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1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Glen Canyon National R…

#25

in Arizona

#402

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16,747 Since Apr 26, 2015
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Photos

Deep in Cathedral Wash
Apr 26, 2015 near LeChee, AZ
Cathedral Wash
Jan 16, 2025 near LeChee, AZ
View from the trail
Dec 25, 2022 near LeChee, AZ
The end of Cathedral Wash Trail
Jun 12, 2022 near LeChee, AZ
View from the trail
Dec 25, 2022 near LeChee, AZ
View from the trail
Dec 25, 2022 near LeChee, AZ

2 Comments

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 66 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Jan 16, 2025
Stewart Carnes
Nov 1, 2024
Marc Daniel
With Mila — 14h 00m
Jun 11, 2024
John Pianezze
this.is.mot.2.9 miles it's 4.0 miles. 4mi
Oct 26, 2023
Jello DeMarco
Loved the rock scramble
Dec 22, 2022
Stewart Carnes
Wonderful fun hike
May 30, 2022
G Allen Daily
3.7mi — 1h 31m
Apr 14, 2022
Jason Cronk
4.5mi
Aug 21, 2021
James Harris

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