Lower Cathedral Wash Trail
“Descend 300 feet from the trailhead to the Colorado River. Venture into the Kaibab Limestone, the geologic formation at the top of Grand Canyon. Lots of rock scrambling and pour-offs into plunge pools makes this trail moderately difficult with steep walls often on both sides.”
Moderate to strenuous
3 miles (4.82 km)
Hiking
This hike is in the Lees Ferry area, with the trailhead at the north end of the parking area and the trail descends to a tunnel that provides safe travel under the highway. For the most part you travel in the wash, sand and/or muddy surfaces. There are numerous pour-offs, and some serious rock scrambling can be involved in order to avoid the water pools below. Use caution. It’s 1.5 miles to the Colorado River.
DO NOT ATTEMPT IN WET WEATHER. THIS IS A FLASH FLOOD AREA.
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Directions
From Lake Powell Blvd. and North Navajo Drive in Page, the trailhead is 40.6 miles (65.34 km). Drive northwest on Lake Powell Blvd. and turn left (south) on HWY 89. At mile 25.1 turn right (north) onto HWY 89A toward Lees Ferry and Jacob Lake. At mile 39.1 cross over Navajo Bridge, then turn right (north) onto Lees Ferry Road. At mile 39.8 there is a kiosk for the park entrance fee. The trailhead parking is .8 miles ahead on the left.
Click map below to navigate to trailhead.
Trail Details
Trailhead Coordinates: 36°50.0247N 111°38.4128W
Trail Access: National Park Service, U.S. Fee Area
Trail Surface: Sand, mud, rock, and rock ledges
Trail Condition: Moderately developed
Trail Use Type: Hiking
Best Season: Year round, prepare for heat in the summer, snow and water pools in winter
Parking at Trailhead: Yes
Restroom / Water: No
Pet Friendly: No
Degree of Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
Trail Type: Out and back
Trail Length: 3.0 miles (4.82 km) out and back, 1.5 miles (2.41 km) one way
Elevation Gain / Loss: 600’
Elevation at Trailhead: 3,446’
Cell Service: Intermittent
Land Manager: National Park Service (NPS) - Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (GCNRA)
