If you’re an active follower of mine, you already know how much I adore Death Valley National Park. From the geological history to the hottest air temp records and endless hiking opportunities, it’s a top 3 National Park for me. Hiking Golden Canyon and Red Cathedral in Death Valley is a popular activity for good reason. It’s one of the best short hikes I’ve ever been on.
Where is the Golden Canyon & Red Cathedral?
Find the Golden Canyon and Red Cathedral via a parking lot off of Badwater Road 2 miles south of CA 190 and Furnace Creek. The first mile of the trail winds through the Golden Canyon, eventually arriving at Red Cathedral before turning back.
Be sure to check any alerts for trail conditions on the NPS website here.
Tips for Hiking the Golden Canyon & Red Cathedral
- This hike covers a 3.5 mile roundtrip out and back distance.
- Because of its short distance and easy access in a main touristy area, expect the trail to be crowded.
- The parking area is small so to avoid crowds and hot temps, make the hike in the early morning or evening.
- Most people hike to the end of Golden Canyon and don’t continue on to the Red Cathedral. Be sure to read until the end to find the best view!
- The trail is completely exposed so come prepared with your hiking essentials like water, sunscreen, and a hat.
Hiking Golden Canyon and Red Cathedral in Death Valley
Distance: 3.5 miles Round-trip
Type: Out and Back
Elevation Gain: +750 feet
Best Time to Hike: October – March
Trail Details
Golden Canyon to Red Cathedral is a moderate hike covering a 3.5 mile out and back distance. The first mile travels on an even elevation through the Golden Canyon before reaching a 0.5 mile scramble to the Red Cathedral. After arriving at the Red Cathedral, there is a small trail against the back wall to climb up for the best views of the canyon. That 2nd mile scramble and climb you’ll gain around 750 feet in elevation.
Where we spur off to the left for the Red Cathedral, a spur to the right would take us on an alternate route. In 0.8 miles, the trail ‘T’s’ into the Badlands Loop. From here, take a left for 1.1 miles to reach Zabriskie Point or take a right for 2.5 miles back to the parking area where you began.
Hiking the Golden Canyon
The Golden Canyon trail begins on a wide pathway winding through an abyss of rolling yellow hills. Almost immediately you can see the remnants of the road that ran through here in the early 1900s. Since the area is now protected, the canyon is only accessible by walking.
Shadows from low cliff overhangs are the only coverage from the sun shining down on the exposed trail. Before long the top of the Red Cathedral comes into view.
Scramble to the Red Cathedral
After that first mile, we’re met with a trail junction. To the right is towards the Badlands Loop but we’ll take the left 0.5 miles to the Red Cathedral.
Reaching the Red Cathedral requires a scramble up and over ledges 4 feet high. Those scrapes and clambers are totally worth it though when we arrive at the base of the Red Cathedral.
Climbing to Higher Ground
Our journey isn’t over yet, although this is the most difficult part. If you don’t have the right hiking shoes I wouldn’t recommend making this scramble.
Towards the back left of the Red Cathedral walls there is a faint trail heading upwards. Follow it to the top for the most magnificent views of the day.
The area is extremely sloped so be careful when exploring up here. But really, you can’t beat those incredible views of the Golden Canyon.
Read More Death Valley Posts HereBefore heading into the backcountry, it’s imperative that you’re familiar with the “Leave No Trace” principles.
Read More: Leave No Trace: The 7 Rules of the Backcountry
Learn more about Leave No Trace on their website here.
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These views are incredible! I was hoping it’d be baby friendly at the end but I don’t think I’d risk that unless I’m solo 🙂 Hope to visit here someday because it must be THAT special if it’s in your top 3!!
The scramble to the Red Cathedral and the climb at the end wouldn’t be good with a babe unfortunately 🙁 But I’d still recommend the first mile of the hike through the Golden Canyon! And Death Valley, ugh, my favorite. Hope you get to visit!
this is just an amazing article as well as the place where you hiked looks so amazing, I am quite to an extent motivated to visit this place after reading your blog, I will definitely discuss this with my husband if we could plan a trip like this for hiking, also kindly let us know the perfect time to visit.
Thank you! I would definitely this recommend a short hike here in the Golden Canyon. Definitely avoid the area in the summer months as the temperatures are too high. The best time to visit in my opinion is October through March!