Near Red Cathedral Out-and-Back
The surreal multicolored canyon landscape just below the cathedral.
Near Red Cathedral Out-and-Back
Hiking towards Manly Beacon.
Near Red Cathedral Out-and-Back
On Golden Canyon Trail
Near Red Cathedral Out-and-Back
Entrance to Golden Canyon
Near Red Cathedral Out-and-Back
Death Valley National Park

Looking for more photos?

View All Photos
Driving Directions
Hike Route

Red Cathedral Out-and-Back

4.4 (16 Ratings)
A three mile round trip out-and-back hike offering close-up views of canyons carved by flash floods.
3
mi
Distance
697
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
Views

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
2.96mi
Distance
697ft
Elevation Gain
697ft
Elevation Loss
55%
Max Grade
481ft
High Point
-140ft
Low Point
Path Type
There and Back
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.
History & Background
This canyon was used while filming one of the Star Wars movies.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
Report Conditions

Nearby Hike Routes

Gower Gulch Loop

Hike Route

Gower Gulch Loop

moderate
4.1 mi
+767 ft
Golden-Gower-Zabriskie Loop

Hike Route

Golden-Gower-Zabriskie Loop

Views
strenuous
6.86 mi
+1,508 ft
Desolation Canyon Hike

Hike Route

Desolation Canyon Hike

Less Crowded
easy
1.5 mi
+664 ft
Desolation Canyon Trail

Hike Route

Desolation Canyon Trail

Views
moderate
3.5 mi
+810 ft
Red Cathedral Canyon Crest

Hike Route

Red Cathedral Canyon Crest

Less Crowded
moderate
1.74 mi
+273 ft
Zabriskie Point Trail

Hike Route

Zabriskie Point Trail

ADA Accessible
easy
0.32 mi
+43 ft
Contributors
Kathy Bass