Lower Cathedral Wash Trail to the Colorado River
Some of our favorite adventures come from recommendations we get while traveling in Alice, our van. The Cathedral Wash Trail in Lee’s Ferry, Arizona is one of those hidden gems. It’s an unforgettable canyon hike we never would have discovered on our own.
Lower Cathedral Wash offers a perfect blend of challenge, scenery, and pure fun. There are no ropes, no major technical obstacles, and no crowds — just sandstone ledges, carved passages, and the promise of the Colorado River waiting at the end.
This trail is exactly our kind of adventure.
🥾 Trail Details: Cathedral Wash Trail
- Location: Lee’s Ferry, Arizona (Glen Canyon National Recreation Area)
- Distance: 5.2 miles round-trip
- Elevation Gain: ~350 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate – frequent scrambling and ledges
- Type: Out-and-back
- Trailhead: Cathedral Wash Trailhead, near Lees Ferry Campground
- Best Time to Hike: Spring–Fall (avoid extreme midday heat)
- Dogs: Not allowed
- Highlights: Sandstone ledges, slot-like canyon sections, fun scrambles, and direct access to the Colorado River
💡 Tips for Hiking Cathedral Wash
- Start early: The canyon heats up fast and shade is limited.
- Expect scrambling: You’ll navigate ledges, small drops, and narrow passages—use hands for balance.
- Follow cairns carefully: There’s no official trail, so stacked rocks help guide the way.
- Avoid high ledges when possible: Mid-level routes are usually the safest and most efficient.
- Watch for potholes: Some sections may hold water—check footing before stepping.
- Pack plenty of water: This is a dry, exposed canyon with no refill stations.
- Wear grippy shoes: The sandstone can be smooth in spots, especially near drops.
- Stay aware on the return: The canyon looks different going back—pay attention to key turns.
- Plan time for the river: The Colorado River is a beautiful place to rest and cool your feet.
The Canyon Begins to Rise
From the very beginning, Cathedral Wash feels different. The walls slowly tighten around you, rising higher as you walk deeper into the dry wash. Cairns guide the way, though half the fun is choosing your own route through the ledges and rock shelves.
As we progressed, the contours of the rocks gave us multiple paths to follow. We found ourselves constantly stopping to study the rock formations. Most of time, there was high, medium or lower routes we could take as we walked the wash. We often talked through which one looked best. Sometimes our choices made perfect sense. Other times, they were comical and we just had to laugh at ourselves navigating through it.
But that’s the magic of this hike. It’s interactive. It keeps you thinking. It keeps you moving.
Scrambling Through the Wash
As we continued, the terrain became more exciting. Small drops. Narrow passages. Layered sandstone that felt almost sculpted. Nothing dangerous, but definitely enough to keep your mind engaged and your hands and feet on the rock.
The further we went, the more the canyon revealed itself — twisting, deepening, becoming more dramatic with every bend. The walls towered above us, glowing warm shades of red and cream.
This was our kind of playground.
The First Sound of Water
At just under 2.5 miles, the tone of the canyon changes. The air cools. The sound of rushing water echoes faintly ahead.
We knew the Colorado River was close.
Rounding a final set of boulders, the canyon opened wide and there it was. The Colorado River stretched out in front of us, powerful and beautiful. We didn’t say much at first. We just stood there, soaking it in.
Instinctively, we reached for each other’s hands. A shared smile said everything.
“Want to get our feet wet?”
“Absolutely.”
We found the perfect rock along the riverbank and dipped our tired feet into the cool, clear water. The morning sun warmed our shoulders while the river refreshed our spirit. For a few minutes, it felt like the whole place belonged only to us.
Heading Back Through the Canyon
After about half an hour at the river’s edge, we reluctantly turned back. Fortunately, Cathedral Wash is just as fun going in reverse. Every ledge looks different. Every scramble gives you a slightly new perspective.
We took our time on the return, savoring the peacefulness of the canyon before heading back to our van.
How to Get to Lower Cathedral Wash
Trailhead Address (per AllTrails):
Lees Ferry Rd, Marble Canyon, AZ 86036
Lower Cathedral Wash Trail is located inside the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, just south of the Navajo Bridge. The trailhead begins near Lees Ferry, one of the most historic and scenic river access points in Northern Arizona.
Trail Summary
The Cathedral Wash Trail is a hike we strongly recommend. It’s adventurous without being extreme, scenic without being crowded, and full of playful scrambles that make the journey just as enjoyable as the destination.
Anyone in reasonable physical condition can complete this hike without much trouble. And the payoff — standing at the edge of the Colorado River is absolutely worth it.
This trail reminded us why we bought Alice in the first place: to chase adventure and connection.
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