Name: Red Cathedral Out-and-Back
Rating: 4.5

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Overview

Hike this in the afternoon so that the sun is setting on Red Cathedral when you arrive. The red rocks glow beautifully and the hike is more shaded in the afternoon. Be warned there are some narrow passageways on the 0.5 mi section once you leave the Golden Canyon Trail. (Bring a headlamp if you plan to hike this as the sunsets, just in case).

Need to Know

Some narrow spaces and minor rock scrambling needed. Carry lots of water and watch your head in low clearance areas.

Description

From the Golden Canyon parking lot head into the canyon via Golden Canyon Trail. Follow the canyon as it winds through the stratified rock. A few meters into the trail to your right, you can see that the trail was once paved and flash flooding has washed all but a small section of the pavement away; this little remnant is now several feet above the ground.

After following the canyon for a mile, a sign marks the way to Red Cathedral via Upper Golden Canyon Trail - Red Cathedral Access. Pay attention on the way; rocks should be lined up to prevent you from turning down a wrong canyon, but stay mindful of your surroundings. In the section to Red Cathedral there are several places where you have to squeeze in a narrow and places where you have to crouch under rocks to continue on. There are usually several approaches to each obstacle so take some time to plan you approach and stay safe.

After a narrow portion, the canyon widens an reveals Red Cathedral which is a truly awesome sight. Take a moment to rest and enjoy the beauty and silence before heading back the way you came.