Cathedral Wash
1 / 10

Cathedral Wash

, United States

Explore a stunning slot canyon hike near Page, AZ, culminating at the Colorado River. Features unique rock formations and exciting scrambles.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Fall, Winter, Spring

Escape the intense heat

CrowdMedium
Loading map...
Cathedral Wash

Cathedral Wash

Best Time

Fall, Winter, Spring

Escape the intense heat

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore a stunning slot canyon hike near Page, AZ, culminating at the Colorado River. Features unique rock formations and exciting scrambles.

"A slot canyon adventure with a rewarding end at the Colorado River!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎒 Pack Water & Snacks

Crucial for the desert hike. Stay hydrated!

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

Good grip is essential for scrambling sections. :athletic_shoe:

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Slot Canyon Exploration

Slot Canyon Exploration

Trailhead to Colorado River

Wander through narrow, sculpted sandstone walls that create a natural slot canyon experience.

Colorado River Endpoint

Colorado River Endpoint

End of the trail

Reach the mighty Colorado River, a rewarding destination after your hike through the canyon.

Unique Rock Formations

Unique Rock Formations

Throughout the trail

Marvel at the diverse and striking geological formations carved by nature over millennia.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

Avoid the intense Arizona sun by hiking in the cooler months of fall, winter, or spring. Summer heat can be dangerous, and flash floods are a risk during monsoon season. Check weather forecasts before you go! Instagram

Trail Navigation & Scrambling

This hike involves following cairns and some scrambling over rocks, including a notable 30-foot drop-off. While generally manageable, it's rated 'hard' on AllTrails. Be prepared for a bit of an adventure! Instagram+1

Best Times

When
Fall, Winter, Spring
Why
Escape the intense heat
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, better light
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

This could be your view at 4pm on a random Thursday #nevada #cathedralgorge #cathedralgorgestatepark #nv
@pang__bang
17.6K likes • 371.8K views

🎒 Pack Water & Snacks

Crucial for the desert hike. Stay hydrated! Instagram

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

Good grip is essential for scrambling sections. :athletic_shoe:

CATHEDRAL WASH LOWER TRAIL: A SLOT CANYON ADVENTURE⬇️ 👉 SHARE this with your ADVENTURE CREW‼️ Did you know… the Cathedral Wash Lower Trail in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is a hidden gem leading to the Colorado River? With towering canyon walls, incredible rock formations, and an exciting scramble over rocky terrain, this hike is a must-do for those seeking adventure in about 45 mins...
stamp.project.management
24 likes • 541 views
Cathedral Wash near Page, AZ. This is a really fun hike in the Lees Ferry area. The canyon starts right near the road and goes all the way down to a cool endpoint at the Colorado River. There are a few small scrambles on the hike which are pretty easy to navigate. Total photos in this clip: 631 Total time to shoot: 42 minutes #arizona #arizonahiking #hikearizona #arizona_hiking #arizonacollecti...
thewildiswaiting
9.8K likes • 206.8K views

⚠️ Watch for Flash Floods

Avoid during monsoon season. Check forecasts! ⚠️

⬆️ Follow the Cairns

These rock piles mark the trail. :rock:

CATHEDRAL WASH TRAIL 🥾 Save this post for your next Arizona trip! We had no idea what to expect with this hike but it BLEW US AWAY! ♻️ Remember to always Leave No Trace. Watch where you step, pack out what you pack in & please don’t mark up the rock walls! ☀️ 3.3 Miles • 387ft Elevation Gain • Rated hard on All trails • Follows the cairns This trail starts at the Glen Canyon Recreation Area e...
choosethepathyoutake
71 likes • 1.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎒 Pack Water & Snacks

Crucial for the desert hike. Stay hydrated! Instagram

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

Good grip is essential for scrambling sections. :athletic_shoe:

⚠️ Watch for Flash Floods

Avoid during monsoon season. Check forecasts! ⚠️

⬆️ Follow the Cairns

These rock piles mark the trail. :rock:

🚫 Leave No Trace

Pack out everything you pack in. ♻️

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the unique slot canyon experience and the rewarding hike to the Colorado River. The challenging scrambles are seen as part of the adventure, though some find them daunting. The natural beauty and photographic opportunities are consistently praised.

What People Like

Unique slot canyon
Colorado River reward
Stunning rock formations

What People Dislike

Challenging scrambles
Summer heat risk

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Cathedral Wash is located near Lees Ferry in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, close to Page, Arizona. Access is typically via Highway 89. The trailhead is often found near the road, making it a convenient stop. Instagram+1

Yes, there is usually parking available at the trailhead. However, it can fill up, especially during peak seasons. Arriving early is recommended. TikTok

A permit is not typically required for hiking Cathedral Wash itself. However, it is located within the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, which may have entrance fees. Instagram

You can drive to the vicinity of the Cathedral Wash trailhead. The hike itself is on foot through the canyon. Instagram

Public transport options are very limited in this remote area. It's best to have your own vehicle or arrange a shuttle. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Cathedral Wash is within the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. While the hike itself doesn't require a separate permit, there is an entrance fee for the recreation area, often around $30 per vehicle. Instagram

There are no set operating hours for Cathedral Wash as it's an outdoor natural area. However, it's strongly advised to hike during daylight hours and avoid extreme weather conditions. Instagram

No advance booking is necessary for hiking Cathedral Wash. Entry fees are typically paid upon arrival at the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area entrance. 🎟️

While the hike is beautiful, the scrambling and drop-offs make it more suitable for older children and adults. It's rated 'hard' on some platforms. Instagram

Bring your ID and payment method for the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area entrance fee. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The hike is approximately 2.5 to 3.3 miles round trip and typically takes 2-3 hours to complete, depending on your pace and how long you spend at the river. Instagram+1

The trail is generally considered moderate to hard due to the scrambling involved, including a significant drop-off. It's rated 'hard' on AllTrails. Instagram+1

You'll encounter sandy washes, slickrock, and narrow slot canyon sections. There are also several rock scrambles and a notable 30-foot drop-off to navigate. Instagram+1

Restroom facilities are generally limited at trailheads in this area. It's advisable to use facilities before you begin your hike. 🚽

Absolutely! The slot canyon formations, vibrant red rocks, and the Colorado River offer stunning photographic opportunities. Drone footage also showcases its beauty. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

No, there are no food services or restaurants directly at Cathedral Wash. You'll need to bring all your own food and drinks. Instagram

Pack plenty of water, snacks, and a packed lunch if you plan to spend a significant amount of time. The desert climate requires ample hydration. Instagram

Dining options are available in nearby Page, Arizona, which offers a variety of restaurants, cafes, and grocery stores. Lees Ferry also has limited services. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Early morning or late afternoon offer the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and creating beautiful contrasts. TikTok

Drone usage may be subject to regulations within the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Check current NPS guidelines before flying. Instagram

The narrow slot canyon sections, the sculpted rock walls, and the final view of the Colorado River are all highly photogenic. Instagram

The scrambling can make it challenging to handle a camera. Secure your gear and be mindful of your footing. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the slot canyons. A sturdy tripod can be useful for low-light conditions, but consider its portability for the hike. :camerawithflash:

You may also like

1 of 2
Cathedral Wash (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide