Route Editor
Route Scout
Wash and Dry by nonot Overview: A hike down a nontechnical wash with a slight bit of scrambling, to the Colorado river and back. Warning: The narrow portion of this wash would be dangerous during or shortly after any rains - beware of flash floods and check the weather before departing. If it has rained recently, portions of the wash may turn into nasty, goopy mud. It would be in your best interests to wait for it to dry out before attempting the hike. History: Cathedral Wash is one of the very few places people can reach the Colorado River down a canyon without requiring rope or other technical means. Hike: From your parking spot, find the well-worn trail leading into the bottom of the canyon. Begin descending downhill. It is fairly level at first and you can observe how the wash has cut through a few different geologic layers. As the wash narrows you will have to perform some easy downclimbs. No moves required to complete the canyon are that difficult, so if you find yourself attempting something you think is dangerous - try to find a better way. After another fairly flat stretch, the wash narrows up again and will descend a few drops. Look for cairns on ledges on either side of the main wash. You will generally be 5 feet above the wash on one side or another. You will reach a major drop in the wash of about 30 ft, the only obstacle of real significance on this hike. Find the trail that contours around it to the right (looking downstream) and go under the overhanging section - watch your head! From here continue on the ledges alternating on sides of the wash when it seems appropriate. A few manoeuvres are required to get down - nothing was exposed or more than 3 feet high. When the wash widens you will begin to hear the river. Follow the gravel streambed the rest of the way to the river. Spend a little time and enjoy the view. Return the way you came. Note: If you get muddy on the way down you can wash much of it out in the river - beware that you can get it off skin but it won't completely come out of clothes, gear, or shoes - it's nasty stuff! Water Sources: Colorado River, although the hike is so short you will probably bring 1-2 liters of water. Camping: Nearby at Lee's Ferry with a permit. If one obtains a permit camping may be possible at the beach at the end of the wash. I didn't observe any quality sites and doubt this is a popular option. Check out the Official Route and Triplogs. Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community.
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WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.
Most recent Triplog Reviews
Cathedral Wash
This would have been a better and easier hike if Lees ferry hadn't been hit with a 10 minute or so thunderstorm the night before. As it was the canyon was pretty wet after the first half mile, including one point where there was little alternative to wading through waist-deep agua colorada. The deep puddles and mud eventually got more unpleasant and forced us into more scrambling than we counted on doing. After a while we turned around, so for the second time of the day didn't manage to make the river via a canyon. Oh well, so we ultimately drove down to Paria riffle to clean all the red mud stains off of us.
2016-07-02 paco14
Cathedral Wash
After catching a few Zs in the car after leaving the North Rim, I hit up Cathedral Wash for an early morning trip before the heat set in. I was actually really impressed with this little canyon. The narrows are cut into Kaibab Limestone so it's got a super rugged terraced form that makes for visual appeal and a more interesting route. This actually required a little more route finding than I was expecting, yet it was pretty straightforward with no obstacles that seemed downright dangerous, making for a fun hike. The beach at the River is pretty nice too, with a nice little rapid and lots of calm water between the rocks to soak the feet in.
2015-06-19 hippiepunkpirate
Cathedral Wash
After camping the night at Lee's Ferry, I woke up early and did this as a warmup hike. A pretty sweet non-technical way down to the river with some light obstacles to maneuver thru, amazing sandstone walls, cool looking dry falls, and catching the sun slowly creeping down the canyon walls and to the majestic Colorado River. 
2010-05-01 Vaporman
