Last updated: January 26, 2026
Thing to Do
Scramble down Cathedral Wash Trail
NPS
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.
Details
Duration
3-4 Hours
This time does not account for breaks, sightseeing, or picnics along the river.
Activity
Front-Country Hiking
While this hike is quite scenic and popular, please know your limits. There are many difficult sections of this canyon that are hard to climb. The weather can bring high temperatures and little shade at certain parts of the day.
The wash changes throughout the year due to flash floods, rockfalls, and weather. It is easy to cliff out 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.
Age(s)
All ages who are able to hike this difficult canyon or be carried through it are welcome.
Pets Allowed
No
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
How to get to Cathedral Wash Trail Head
Lees Ferry is 42 miles (61 km) from Page via Hwy 89 south and Hwy 89A west. It is 85 miles (125 km) from the North Rim of the Grand Canyon via Hwy 89A and Hwy 67. The Lees Ferry Junction and Park Entrance is in Marble Canyon, just west of Navajo Bridge Interpretive Center. After you turn off Highway 89A onto the Lees Ferry access road, drive 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.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
During summer months temperatures can be extreme, reaching over 100 ° F (38°C) by early afternoon. Do not hike during the warmest parts of the day. Bring plenty of water. Be aware of flash floods.
Time of Day
Day
Overnight camping in Cathedral Wash is prohibited.
Accessibility Information
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.