Cathedral Wash - A Beautiful Hike to the Colorado River

Cathedral Wash - A Beautiful Hike to the Colorado River
Cathedral Wash is one of my favorite hikes. The entire area down by Lee's Ferry is one of my favorite areas to start with. But Cathedral Wash is a special hike in a special place. First, it's easy access. Just pull off on the side of the road and start hiking. And it immediately is fun and scenic. You have Vermillion Cliffs all around you and you're walking in the open wash that very quickly starts to drop toward the Colorado River. The rock faces are unique. There are lots of conglomerate rock surfaces with bends and multiple layers. It's hard to describe, really. And the walls keep getting higher and higher as you drop further toward the Colorado River. It's not really a slot canyon, but not really a box canyon. Whatever you'd call it, it's pretty.
There's no real trail. You just follow the wash. Soon enough it starts to through different challenges at you. Dry falls and other obstacles. There is usually more than one way to get around the obstacles too, adding some fun to the challenge.
And then, after a couple of miles of pretty easy walking through amazing scenery, you come to the Colorado River.
And....yeah, that's it. It's short, fun, beautiful, easy and it has a great pay off at the end. Cathedral Wash is a great hike. If you haven't been, you should check it out.
I'd put something funny or offbeat in this description, but honestly, it's early in the morning and I need coffee. So I'm going to go drink some coffee and wake up.
Music by Artlist
City of Light - ANBR
With You - Ziv Moran

[@CastroN9ne]

an absolutely stunning hike, mexican food, and tina flipping the bird. the holy trinity.

[@bobbafett7407]

Love Cathedral Wash!! Done it several times and it’s always a lot of fun. That water is cold af even in the middle of summer 🥶😂

[@georgematosian484]

Jerry and Tina, thank you for transporting us to another amazing place. The quality of your videos, from editing to music simply makes your videos a delight to watch. I thoroughly enjoy visiting the same general areas as well, to as great an extent as my age allows. Your adventures allow me to see places I no longer can. Should the opportunity arise, the Mexican dinner is on me as a gesture of appreciation for your consistently outstanding work.

[@xanderarena]

great seeing Tina on the trail, so happy for you guys!

[@pw2883]

Agreed. A beautiful hike…notwithstanding that ugly concrete bridge you passed underneath at the start!

[@JSees]

Thank you, Jerry and Tina, that is a cool spot.

[@JerryArizona]

Really one of my favorite short day hikes.

[@climbjt]

I’d did this hike a couple years ago, and I was eating lunch at the top of what you called obstacle #2. A guy came through with his dog, a Belgian Malinois. That dog “ran” up and down that small drop like he was scooting across the kitchen floor. Fastest climbing I’ve ever seen

[@jrlong3490]

Another beautiful video, Jerry. The detail shots are great and show that you are really evolving as a video artist. The needed Tina flip the bird, of course. And the obligatory Mex and Margs finish to a great day. All the best to you both.

[@dixielambrecht7009]

Just fantastic Jerry, 👏 thank you.

[@rockesark9689]

I was in this area a few months ago and didn't know this beautiful trail was there. I stopped at Navajo Bridge so I was close. Darn, now I'm going to have to drive all the way from Florida again.

[@janetturner6745]

Great music throughout!

[@hooperbloop7625]

This one has been on my list for a while. I'm sold. Thanks for taking us along.

[@JerryArizona]

Definitely a great hike. There is plenty of other stuff to do in the area as well, so it's worth the drive.

[@walkingwithawookie1097]

Gorgeous

[@russward2612]

I can see why my brother likes living in Arizona, it's a beautiful state. 🏜️✌️🖖

[@WJr_88]

That was my first hike in that category of hikes. Did that back three years ago. I enjoyed the route guessing and as you said, puzzles. Adds more fun to a great hike! Thanks for another great video! Oh... And that Mexican Food looked awesome!

[@GrandmaBev64]

Awe! That's the last slot canyon I got to walk through. Nice! We would wait for the rain so we could climb above the water and cool off when we wanted to. After a good rain, it gets pretty deep in places. Beautiful. There was a lot more water in the 80's. Thank You for the memory.

[@chrisgerritsen2376]

That one is going on my hike list! Great video Jerry and Tina, such an enjoyable and entertaining few minutes to watch before getting my day going. So glad to see your shoulder is going better too, and….new sunglasses are much more sporting than Tina’s spares.

[@ghostrunnerco6791]

is it weird that i’m 53 years old and wish you guys were my parents?

[@nickbeef4824]

Eons of history in those rocks

[@morganteer1]

Jerry, I promise I'm not going to tell anybody that I've already seen you and Tina walk this lol But seriously the last time you hiked this location I made sure and took my kids there the following summer. It was amazing just like you said - and he's not kidding folks that whole area down there is awesome. That whole area around page and through to lees ferry at Glen canyon recreation area tops!!!

[@JerryArizona]

Glad you got to check it out. It's an awesome canyon. I guess there are a few of those side canyons down there you can hike, but I haven't checked out the rest. I know some require rappelling, but I think a few have normal trails. But this is by far the most accessible and still fun and really scenic.

[@pharris1961]

glad to see you back making videos again, always fun to watch :)

[@truckcamper_felix]

great views, great music !👍🏻

[@toddmadsen2732]

I don't think I've seen too many shots with you two walking side by side. It was kind of nice.

[@JerryArizona]

I'm a lazy videographer; that would require me setting up a shot on tripod, then walking by. I should do more of those shots, though.

[@robhebbs7960]

Thanks for the great ideas for hikes in arizona and Utah.

[@juliojimenez-juanz6751]

Why is it that every time I watched your videos I want to go hiking.....we just got back from the grand R2R over memorial weekend. Thank you for your awesome videos brother!

[@JerryArizona]

I'm adding that to the list of trails. Haven't heard of it before. And Nick was apparently out there rafting the San Juan the same weekend we went by. Would love to do that too.

[@pixelpeter3883]

Looks like a fun and varied hike: sometimes on the bottom, sometimes on ledges and under overhangs :-)

[@joescott7027]

Nice Hike, been there done that.............

[@michaelhopwood1179]

love that fun hike. Entertaining route finding. Also try Soap creek

[@JerryArizona]

Definitely on my list.

[@rafaelrieck6655]

Another fantastic scenery, everything is there: Slot canyon, wide canyon, stone canyon, alcoves and the mighty colorado!

[@westcoastislander6699]

Love Lee's Ferry. A very underrated place. Spent two days there exploring before heading in to do Paria Canyon. Have wanted to go back ever since. Cathedral Wash was beautiful and had spectacular views from the top of Spencer's trail. Nice to see you and Tina out having a good time. Thanks for this!

[@macimages4215]

We’re going to have to stop watching your channel since you keep adding things to our bucket list.

[@JerryArizona]

I have an entire spreadsheet for a list....I can sort it by distance from home, distance/elevation gain and even stoke level. I'm gonna run out of years before I run out of stuff to see.

[@theicangram]

😂😂😂 Right?

[@hikinganddrone]

Wow‼️love this place. Love to go there if I have time. Thanks for sharing 👍👍👍

[@scotttepper3316]

Love the hat, I have the same in a tshirt. Love me some Hanalei!!

[@steveelliott1160]

I wonder how amazing the photos on Tina's phone must be with all the places you guys have visited. Great video!!

[@kellylundblad2616]

One of my very favorite hikes in the area!!!

[@miked5728]

AND...... There's ANOTHER thing we gotta check out when we're there in June!! (You two keep this up, and I'm gonna have to extend our vacation!) 😆😆

[@mikegrier2829]

Oh, man. How cool! Great video, great music. Just got in to Atlanta from Oregon and REALLY needed something fun to watch. You guys are the best. And, if you get the opportunity to get up to the Columbia River Gorge do it. It’s amazingly beautiful there. Plenty of trails, beautiful sights to see and wineries for days. 😅 And, that’s really close to Mt. Hood. You’d love it.

[@TinaArizona]

I’m trying to plan a road trip in October for that area. Seems like heaven!

[@jakewhite4321]

I hiked Cathedral Wash a couple years ago. I took the easy route every time. And then I came around the corner and realized that it was the worst route EVERY. SINGLE. TIME.

[@JerryArizona]

Sometimes it's just like that.....I have the same problem with hitting red lights.

[@tomlauritzen9522]

Hhhaaaaaa you finally got the bird again....... lol

[@JerryArizona]

It seems to happen a lot....

[@tomlauritzen9522]

@@JerryArizona Sure cracks me up lol

[@tomlauritzen9522]

@@JerryArizona It's just good fair honest feed back haahhahahaha

[@django02]

Love it. Thanks for posting this.

[@christopherjames1453]

Awesomeness glad y'all are both back on trail!!!🤙🤙🤙🤙

[@danipantv3499]

I wish i can hike there

[@jameshouse1268]

We LOVE that hike! Great videography of a fun ‘choose your own adventure’ hike. Lunch snacks at the river are a must 😋 BTW, Jerry, what shoes are you wearing? Thanks, and take care always!

[@JerryArizona]

Definitely a great hike. I'm wearing Altra Olympus. Love them for comfort and traction...but they fall apart pretty easily and aren't cheap. I actually lost a bit of tread on this hike.

[@up_an_down]

I enjoyed that hike a lot

[@JerryArizona]

It's a fun one with some great views.

[@Colby168]

Love this hike! So fun. I would just add it’s a fee area or America the Beautiful works as well. I think it’s $30 or so and you just pay at the kiosk on the way in.

[@JerryArizona]

This is BLM, so no fees. America the Beautiful is a great deal though. We get one every year.

[@Colby168]

@@JerryArizona I remember it being part of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Did you see the pay kiosk on the way in? I did it last year and paid but maybe I didn’t have to 😢. I just did a quick google and it does look like a fee area so IDK.

[@CompactFlesh]

Ahh, another great mexican food video, and how you get there 😉

[@willneverrememberit1]

Watched your video on the Kalalau Trail as prep for our hike last month. Unfortunately, my wife broke her leg on the trail. Can't wait to go back and give it another shot. Keep up the videos!

[@JerryArizona]

Oh no! Hopefully she's doing well. Can't imagine needing a rescue out there either. Hopefully you can get back and do it again after she heals up.

[@willneverrememberit1]

@JerryArizona Thank you. She is still recovering. Crazy part of the story is that she walked out. Five miles on a broken leg. It did take ten hours.

[@saullopez539]

So beautiful!

[@ruinsandridges]

I like watching your content! You should check out sunset rock/cathedral rock summit climbs. I believe sunset rock is rated class 2 and cathedral is class 3+. Thank you for sharing these beautiful places, it takes a lot of work.

[@JerryArizona]

When my arm gets back to normal, I definitely want to check them out.

[@switchflare]

While watching your videos I sometimes wonder what the vibe of a given video would be if you brought back your metal soundtracks instead of this serenity music :D Maybe next visit to Cathedral you and Tina could demo the challenge of swimming upstream in the warm water :D

[@Ruby-gd9kb]

Love you channel, you are an adorable couple~~~>

[@skipandcherieadventures116]

Great video! Now on our list to visit!

[@Beyond2020]

Great video ! On my list to visit !

[@dmerth]

One of out favorites. Completed twice now. Last in March 2024.Have ya'll considered doing some food reviews at the Mexican restaurants after the hikes? Your probably developing some expertise... at least on Mexican food in the USA...

[@JerryArizona]

I'm arguing with Nick right now about which is better: El Patio or La Casita. He's wrong, of course. It's El Patio.

[@JohnPaul-ts8dq]

Jerry, is that Mexican Restaurant near Sedona? Loved the video. 👍👍

[@JerryArizona]

Thanks! It's just outside Camp Verde off the Cottonwood exit on the I-17.

[@JimBobele]

What a fun hike. Love these obstacle hopping ;-) Btw. what shoes are you wearing? I'm still looking for some decent hiking shoes. Something lightweight like trailrunners/(love the altras) but with a more solid sole where you don't feel every single pebble stone.

[@JerryArizona]

I swear by Altra Olympus. Had the Lone Peaks but my feet would hurt after 5~10 miles. Not much cushion. Never had a more comfortable shoe than the Olympus. And no blisters from them, even when I hiked with new ones without breaking them in first. I'll warn you though; they aren't well built. I've had quite a few pairs fall apart and you have to assume they'll only make it about a year. Worth it to me for the comfort though.

[@JimBobele]

@@JerryArizona Thx a lot, I'll give it a try.

[@jnellis84]

I did this one again on Saturday! When were you there!?

[@JerryArizona]

Can't remember exactly. Been a few weeks now.

[@narwhal004]

I love this place, but it's become very accessible. It was a hard sell for the 4+ hour roundtrip drive for a 1 hour hike from Flagstaff.

[@JerryArizona]

You definitely want to do other stuff and not make a trip just for this hike. Combine it with Spencer Trail and maybe a back haul from the Glen Canyon dam and it makes for an epic trip.

[@narwhal004]

@@JerryArizona Have you picked fruit at the orchard at Lee's Ferry?

[@xijiang2728]

Hey Jerry, that steep drop-off @ 2:45. How did you come back up, especially if you were alone? That's where i returned last time.

[@JerryArizona]

You go around to the right side (looking down canyon) and stoop to go under that section I showed next. I just returned the same way I went down.

[@TimmyCramer]

Just got home, cracked a cold beer.....and I could have sworn Tina flipped me off!!?? Is this because I'm voting for Trump.....😜. Timmy C Arizona

[@JSees]

If you are voting for that treasonous grifter, she would flip you off as would I. You must hate women since you are willing to remove our right to body autonomy. Wise up, you have been conned.

[@JSees]

He is a bad man, a vile, venal and sinless creature.

[@JSees]

Soul less creature.

[@user-ne6gm8zq2k]

Trump 2024 !

[@zaynegrey7056]

You’re idiots

[@mrskweky3176]

Your shows are getting to short. Before long you guys will just go to the Mexican food 🍱 place.

[@JerryArizona]

Well, if it's a small adventure, it's a shorter video. As I get more healed up, we'll start adding on longer trips. But you have a good point. Maybe we should skip straight to the post hike meal.

[@jonathankuhn483]

​​@@JerryArizona nooooooooooo!! Don't skip the hike footage!

[@lorihocking5122]

Never even investigated with that hike would look like just passed it on by but now it’s a whole new story

[@thomasstanton5550]

Another great video! Thank you for showing the name of the Mexican restaurant. After hiking R2R, I had to stop and refuel the body with some great food.

[@tonics7121]

Music, boo hiss, I'm outta here

[@user-mk5rs2kc8c]

4:31 I was just standing there nude last Sunday. Well, I took off my underwear to not get it wet but it was not necessary because the water was too cold and I only went in it with my trekking poles to my upper thighs. There is slippery clay, you don't want to slip or lose your balance in that water. I put my stuff on that rock just above the 4:34 minute mark. My footprints are probably still there, well maybe not, it looks like it rained.