HIKE OF THE MONTH

hike of the month Cathedral Wash Offers More than the Celestial Stroll Its Name Suggests

The hikers stepped care-fully along a ledge skirting an imposing outcropping. A few loose rocks ricocheted down against the walls of the narrow wash before hitting bottom, a reminder that a misstep might land them 50 feet below. While connecting cairns along the route they must follow to safely sidestep another pour-off in the wash, the hikers reached a wider, more comfortable spot on the ledge. From there, they hopped down a series of smaller ledges leading back into the wash's bottom. Neither hair-raising nor a cakewalk, the 1.25-mile route down Cathedral Wash to the Colorado River near Lees Ferry makes a fun change of pace from a designated trail. Most of the routes in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, where the hike begins, require good route-finding skills, strenuous climbing, or dangerous trekking over slickrock. Cathedral Wash, however, offers a challenge considered moderate enough for most people to enjoy. Generally sharp and raspy, the Kaibab limestone walls at the route's beginning stand smooth and well-worn by flooding that has created a series of chutelike pour-offs. Staff at the Carl Hayden Visitor Center at Glen Canyon Dam warn hikers to stay away from the wash when there's any hint of rain. This is a hike for a sunny day; preferably in the dry, milder months of spring and fall.

A metal sign near the first pour-off designates the boundary of Grand Canyon National Park, informing hikers that permits are required for overnight use. From there, the walls grow as the route eventually drops a total of 200 feet. Along the way, arches appear, one near a set of utility wires strung across the rim of the canyon and one near the river. Strangely sculpt-ed rocks peer into the canyon from its lip. Hikers will continue to climb up and down ledges, ducking under low-hanging nging alcoves, and plodding across the sandy wash floor for about a mile until they hear the roar of Cathedral Rapids at the Colorado River. In some spots near the river, weaker Toroweap sandstone walls have caved in under the force of erosion, creating an obstacle course of boulders for hikers to wind through. The 45-degree water of the Colorado River makes a perfect destination on a hot day and a great place to have lunch. After all, it's not often a person can hike the Grand Canyon and enjoy lunch at the Colorado River in a day.

(LEFT) Cathedral Canyon winds its way to the Colorado River. (BELOW, LEFT) The cool waters of the Colorado at Paria Beach offer a happy conclusion to a warm day's hike. (RIGHT) Cathedral Canyon begins as a sandy wash at the foot of the Vermilion Cliffs.

WHEN YOU GO

To reach Cathedral Wash, take U.S. 89-A to Lees Ferry Road, then drive one mile to the second turnout at Cathedral Rock. Walk just north of the turnout to Cathedral Wash, and head east (right) into the canyon to the Colorado River. Do not hike there if rain threatens. Wear a hat and sunscreen. Hikers should be in good physical health. Anyone with vertigo should not attempt the route. For more information, contact the Carl Hayden Visitor Center of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, (520) 608-6404.