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geology hike

Finding America: Cathedral Wash Trail

Arizona, Hiking Trails, Slot Canyons, Desert SouthwestBruce LComment

This was a fun one not far from Page, AZ! A little scrambling and route finding made this enjoyable…

Cathedral Wash Trail, tucked away just outside Lees Ferry in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, offers a short but exciting slot canyon adventure. This 3.3-mile round-trip hike winds through layered Navajo and Kayenta sandstone, revealing sculpted canyon walls, fossil beds, and ripple marks that speak to its geologic past. Though not technically challenging, the trail includes light scrambling, dry falls, and route-finding that give it a true backcountry feel—no ropes required, just a sense of curiosity and a bit of agility.

The trail culminates at a quiet beach along the Colorado River, where the canyon opens up to reveal sweeping views into Glen Canyon. It’s a perfect place to rest, reflect, or enjoy a picnic with the sound of the river in the background. Best hiked in spring or fall due to minimal shade and intense summer heat, Cathedral Wash remains a lesser-known gem with a strong sense of solitude, adventure, and natural wonder.


The Colorado River along the way…