Cathedral Wash Trail, Glen Canyon NRA
Trails in Arizona
Photo: Don Graham from Redlands, CA, USA - God bless it! / CC BY-SA 2.0
Part of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
What to Pack for Cathedral Wash Trail, Glen Canyon NRA
Pack with the terrain and wildlife in mind, and you'll be ready for anything here.
A well-prepared pack for Cathedral Wash Trail covers 3 categories: essential, wildlife gear, climate gear.
Essential
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Water (minimum 2L) — Even cool-weather hiking demands steady hydration, as exertion and altitude increase water loss faster than most expect.
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Navigation (map/GPS/compass) — Even well-marked trails have confusing junctions, especially in fog or snow; a GPS unit or downloaded map keeps you on route.
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Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen) — Quality sunglasses prevent snow blindness and reduce eye strain during long days on exposed trails or ridgelines.
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First aid kit — Adhesive bandages, antiseptic, and athletic tape handle the most common trail injuries and weigh under a pound.
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Extra food — Blood sugar drops fast during sustained effort outdoors, and having a reserve keeps your body and mind sharp.
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Headlamp with extra batteries — Batteries drain faster in cold weather; carrying spares ensures you won't be left in the dark when you need light most.
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Fire starter — Starting a fire boosts morale and provides light, warmth, and a way to purify water in an emergency.
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Emergency shelter (space blanket) — If an injury forces you to stop moving, a reflective blanket prevents the rapid heat loss that leads to hypothermia.
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Knife or multi-tool — In a survival situation, a blade lets you process tinder, build shelter, and prepare food.
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Extra clothing layer — Wet clothing accelerates cooling; a dry backup layer can prevent hypothermia when conditions turn.
Wildlife Gear
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Bear canister — A hard-sided canister protects your food from raccoons, rodents, and other camp raiders too, not just bears.
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Bear spray — Bear spray works on all bear species; keep it in a hip holster for instant access, not buried in your pack.
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Bear bell — On windy trails or near streams where your voice might not carry, a bear bell provides constant, passive noise.
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Hiking buddy (avoid solo) — Solo hikers are more vulnerable to predatory behavior from mountain lions, which typically avoid groups.
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Noise maker — A loud whistle doubles as a rescue signal, serving both wildlife safety and emergency communication.
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Gaiters — Beyond snakes, gaiters also protect against thorns, brush, and ticks in overgrown trail sections.
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First-aid snakebite kit — A lightweight pressure bandage and marker for tracking swelling take up minimal space but provide critical aid.
Climate Gear
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Layering system (wide temp swings) — Removing a layer before you sweat keeps your clothing dry, which is critical for warmth when temperatures drop again.
Seasonal Gear
- Spring: Camera, Wildflower field guide
- Fall: Camera, Binoculars (foliage viewing)
Activities & Best Time to Visit Cathedral Wash Trail, Glen Canyon NRA
The Shrubland terrain here lends itself to a range of outdoor activities throughout the year.
The mix of Shrubland terrain and Continental conditions here supports everything from hiking, photography, picnicking.
The scenery here earns a 65/100 photography rating — Exceptional dark sky (Bortle 1-2) and 3 excellent meteor showers.
Activities
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hiking — With sturdy footwear and preparation, trails open up expansive views and quiet solitude.
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photography — Outdoor photography invites you to slow down and frame the beauty around you.
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picnicking — Whether lakeside or in a meadow, it's a relaxed way to savor both the setting and the company.
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running — From flat paths to rolling hills, running outdoors adds variety to your routine.
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walking — Perfect for all ages, a casual walk can turn any outdoor space into a relaxing nature experience.
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wildlife_viewing — Bring binoculars and patience — nature often rewards careful, respectful observers.
Best months: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Terrain: Shrubland — Open skies and sun exposure are typical, with vegetation rarely exceeding several feet in height.
Wildlife Safety at Cathedral Wash Trail, Glen Canyon NRA
Before heading out, it helps to know which wildlife to be cautious around.
The danger score of 50/10 at Cathedral Wash Trail accounts for Bears present, Mountain lions, Venomous snakes, Flood zone, Remote (200mi from city) in the area.
- Bears present
- Mountain lions
- Venomous snakes
- Flood zone
- Remote (200mi from city)
- Exceptional dark sky (Bortle 1-2)
- 3 excellent meteor showers
- Fall foliage
- Spring wildflowers
Bears
Black Bear have been documented in this area. They're most active from .
Adults typically weigh 150 to 600 pounds, with males substantially larger than females.
If you encounter one, speak calmly, make yourself appear larger, and back away slowly without running.
- Store food properly - use bear boxes or hang food bags
- Keep a clean camp - no food scraps
- Make noise while hiking
- Never approach cubs - mother is nearby
- Back away slowly if you encounter a bear
Venomous Snakes
3 venomous snake species are found in this area: Western Diamondback, Mojave, Sidewinder.
Broad triangular head, vertical pupils, and a stout body often exceeding 3 to 4 feet in length.
Remove constrictive items and remain calm; do not cut, suck, or apply ice to the wound.
Distinct facial stripe behind the eye and a prominent rattle.
Keep the victim calm and monitor breathing while awaiting medical care.
Usually under 2 feet long with a relatively short rattle.
Do not attempt to capture the snake; focus on reaching emergency care quickly.
- Watch where you step and place hands
- Stay on trails
- Wear boots and long pants in snake country
- Do not reach under rocks or logs
- If bitten: stay calm, immobilize limb, seek medical help immediately
- Do NOT: cut wound, suck venom, apply tourniquet, ice, or alcohol
Nature & Wildlife at Cathedral Wash Trail, Glen Canyon NRA
The Shrubland terrain here supports a rich ecosystem worth noticing as you explore.
The ecosystem around Cathedral Wash Trail is defined by its Shrubland landscape, supporting everything from Southwestern Ponderosa Pine and Gambel Oak to Common Raven and Horned Lark.
Trees (2)
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Southwestern Ponderosa Pine — Needles grow in bundles of three and cluster toward branch tips. -
Gambel Oak — The bark is gray and furrowed, while acorns develop singly or in small clusters.
Wildflowers (1)
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Stansbury's Cliffrose — Feathery seed plumes developing after flowering.
Shrubs (2)
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Roundleaf buffaloberry — Red berries appear in late summer. -
Engelmann's Hedgehog Cactus — Bright cup-shaped flowers open in sunlight and are followed by spiny fruits. It thrives in rocky desert slopes and well-drained soils.
Other Plants (5)
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Whipple Cholla
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Spinystar
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Kingcup Cactus
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Utah Juniper
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Plains Pricklypear
Mammals (5)
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Abert's Squirrel — Medium-sized with agile build. -
Mule Deer — Bucks carry branching antlers that fork rather than form a single main beam. -
Common Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel — Bushy tail and alert posture. -
Pronghorn — Built for speed with long legs and large lungs. -
White-tailed Antelope Squirrel — Slender body adapted to hot climates.
Birds (10)
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Common Raven — Heavy bill and wedge-shaped tail -
Horned Lark — White outer tail feathers -
California Condor — Bare orange head -
Bald Eagle — Massive hooked yellow bill -
Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay — White throat
Reptiles (9)
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Desert Spiny Lizard — Usually 5–7 inches long. -
Common Side-blotched Lizard — Typically 4–6 inches long including the tail. -
Greater Short-horned Lizard — Typically under 5 inches long. -
Ornate Tree Lizard — Typically 4–6 inches long. -
Gopher Snake — Adults commonly reach 3–6 feet in length.
Insects (7)
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Convergent Lady Beetle -
Hunt's Bumble Bee -
Pandora Pinemoth -
Anicia Checkerspot -
Painted Lady
Nature Bingo at Cathedral Wash Trail, Glen Canyon NRA
Can you spot them all? Check off each species as you find it on your visit.
Wildlife Challenge
Botany Challenge
Cathedral Wash Trail, Glen Canyon NRA Climate & Sun
The numbers behind the best (and worst) times to visit Cathedral Wash Trail.
Month-by-month temperatures at Cathedral Wash Trail range from °F to °F.
Climate type: Continental
Annual avg temp: 62°F
Annual precipitation: 6.4 in
With an average annual temperature of 62°F and 6.4 inches of precipitation, Cathedral Wash Trail has warm, arid conditions. Summer highs average around 87°F, while winter lows drop to 39°F.
Best months to visit: Mar, Apr, May, Oct.
| Month | Avg Temp | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 39°F | 0.5 in |
| Feb | 44°F | 0.6 in |
| Mar | 53°F | 0.4 in |
| Apr | 61°F | 0.3 in |
| May | 70°F | 0.4 in |
| Jun | 81°F | 0.1 in |
| Jul | 87°F | 0.7 in |
| Aug | 84°F | 1.0 in |
| Sep | 76°F | 0.7 in |
| Oct | 62°F | 0.9 in |
| Nov | 49°F | 0.4 in |
| Dec | 39°F | 0.4 in |
Daylight & Sun Times
Daylight ranges from 9.7 hours in winter to 14.7 hours in summer — a difference of 5 hours.
Summer: 5:06 AM – 7:46 PM
Winter: 7:31 AM – 5:11 PM
Cathedral Wash Trail, Glen Canyon NRA Trip Planning & Access
Time to plan the details — access, cost, and travel information for your visit.
Access to Cathedral Wash Trail is primarily via Las Vegas, 200 miles away.
Visitor Friendliness
Accessibility: dog-friendly (likely_allowed), family-friendly (excellent), elderly-friendly (challenging).
- Dogs: likely_allowed — No restrictions found
- Families: excellent (Some climbing (500-1000ft))
- Elderly: challenging (Moderate distance (1-2mi), Significant elevation (>200ft), Unpaved surface)
- Strollers: not_recommended (20/100)
- Beginners: Good starting point (Moderate difficulty (+5))
- Accessibility: Generally accessible to most visitors (90/100)
Places Near Cathedral Wash Trail, Glen Canyon NRA
Looking for more? Here's what else is close by.
The region around Cathedral Wash Trail is rich with options — 13 nearby destinations are worth exploring.
Nearby Trails
Nearby Campgrounds
- Lees Ferry Campground, Glen Canyon NRA 2.54 mi
- Colorado River Primitive Camping Between Glen Canyon Dam and Lees Ferry, Glen Canyon NRA 3.67 mi
- Beehives Campground, Glen Canyon NRA 10.7 mi
- Lone Rock Beach Primitive Camping Area, Glen Canyon NRA 13.72 mi
- Lone Rock Campground, Glen Canyon NRA 13.72 mi
Nearby Attractions
Stargazing & Night Sky at Cathedral Wash Trail, Glen Canyon NRA
Clear nights in this area reveal more stars than most people expect.
Light pollution at Cathedral Wash Trail is Excellent dark-sky site (Bortle 1), which means bright constellations and planets are visible.
Constellations
Key constellations visible from this latitude include Ursa Minor, Cassiopeia, Cepheus.
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Ursa Minor — Visible throughout the year in much of the United States, Ursa Minor rotates steadily around the North Celestial Pole. -
Cassiopeia — Visible year-round in northern states, Cassiopeia is especially prominent in autumn evenings. -
Cepheus — Though its stars are modest in brightness, Cepheus is visible year-round from most of the U.S.
Meteor Showers
The Geminids peaks around December 13-14 and is the best meteor shower visible from here.
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Geminids — peaks December 13-14 (excellent)Find a dark location away from city lights and give your eyes 20–30 minutes to adjust for peak rates.
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Quadrantids — peaks January 3-4 (excellent)Look toward the northern sky after midnight for the highest activity.
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Perseids — peaks August 11-13 (excellent)Expect fast, bright meteors and occasional fireballs under dark skies.
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Eta Aquariids — peaks May 5-6 (good)Plan for early morning viewing; activity increases in the hours just before sunrise.
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Delta Aquariids — peaks July 28-29 (fair)Southern states often see stronger activity due to radiant placement.
Planets
Planets visible to the naked eye from this location:
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Venus — The brightest planet, often called the Morning or Evening Star -
Jupiter — The largest planet, bright and steady in the night sky -
Saturn — Famous for its rings, visible as a golden steady light -
Mars — The Red Planet, recognizable by its reddish-orange hue
Equipment Guide
- Naked eye: Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, Mercury (with care)
- Binoculars: Jupiter moons, Uranus, Saturn rings (barely)
- Small telescope: Saturn rings, Jupiter bands, Mars surface features, Neptune
Viewing Tips
- Check planets rise/set times for your specific date
- Planets appear along the ecliptic (zodiac path)
- Planets don't twinkle like stars - steady light
- Venus and Jupiter are unmistakable - brightest objects after Moon
- Use a stargazing app to confirm planet positions
- Best viewing: when planet is highest in sky (transit)
Best Viewing Months
- Evening: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
- Morning: Jul, Aug, Sep
Seasonal Highlights at Cathedral Wash Trail, Glen Canyon NRA
What you'll encounter here shifts with the calendar — here's a seasonal overview.
Seasonal changes at Cathedral Wash Trail bring — each offering a distinct experience.
Spring Wildflowers
Peak bloom: April - May
Check local park websites for bloom reports
Fall Foliage
Peak color: September 15 – October 10
Best trees for color: Aspen, Cottonwood, Scrub Oak
At 3438ft elevation, expect peak 1-2 weeks earlier
Bird Migration
Spring peak: April - May
Fall peak: September - October
Best spots: Wetlands, coastlines, mountain ridges
Indigenous Land at Cathedral Wash Trail, Glen Canyon NRA
The history of this land reaches back long before it became a recreation destination.
We acknowledge that Cathedral Wash Trail is located on the traditional lands of Nuwuvi (Southern Paiute), Pueblos, Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱ (Ute).
Territories
Languages
The languages traditionally spoken in this area include Southern Paiute, Diné Bizaad.
Data from Native Land Digital
Cathedral Wash Trail, Glen Canyon NRA Geology & Natural History
Beyond the trails and wildlife, Cathedral Wash Trail sits within a landscape shaped by millions of years of geological processes. Here's what researchers and surveys have documented about this area.
Bedrock Geology
- Rock Type
- Chinle Formation
- Formation
- Chinle Formation
- Lithology
- Major:{mudstone}, Minor:{sandstone,conglomerate}
- Age
- Late Triassic
Fossils
- Fossil Occurrences
- 18
- Unique Species
- 14
- Oldest
- 283.3 million years ago
Mineral Deposits
- Deposit Sites
- 34
- Richness
- High
- Minerals Found
- Uranium, Copper, Silver, Bentonite, Molybdenum, Lead, Zinc, Iron
Endangered Species
- Species at Risk
- 1478
- ESA Endangered
- 29
- ESA Threatened
- 16
- Conservation Score
- 100/100
Temperature Records
- Record High
- 120°F (1997-07-26)
- Record Low
- -11°F (1963-01-13)
Wildfire History
This area has a relatively low wildfire risk, but always follow posted fire regulations.
- Recorded Fires
- 2
- Largest Fire
- Marble Cyn (553.9 acres)
- Most Recent
- 2005
- Fire Risk
- Low
Watershed
- Watershed
- Cathedral Wash-Colorado River
- Water Quality (Good)
- 0%
- Impaired
- 0.347%
Reported Phenomena
- UFO Sightings
- 4 (NUFORC)
- Eeriness Score
- 8/100
Cathedral Wash Trail, Glen Canyon NRA Safety & Conditions
Plans set? Check the latest conditions before you head out.
Up-to-date weather, fire, and flood information for the area around Cathedral Wash Trail.
Coordinates: 36.834058, -111.639583