Are dogs allowed on Golden Canyon Trail to Red Cathedral?

Yes, dogs are allowed on Golden Canyon Trail to Red Cathedral but must be kept on a leash at all times. Pack out waste and respect wildlife.

Do I need a permit to hike Golden Canyon Trail to Red Cathedral?

No, Golden Canyon Trail to Red Cathedral does not currently require a permit. Still check for seasonal closures or day-use fees with the managing agency before heading out.

How difficult is Golden Canyon Trail to Red Cathedral?

Golden Canyon Trail to Red Cathedral is rated moderate. It is 2.9 miles long with 679 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty ratings reflect a combination of distance, elevation gain, and terrain — your experience will depend on your fitness level and trail conditions.

Status unknown — verify before visiting

We don't have current condition data for this trail. Check with the land manager before you go.

See California trail conditions

ModerateOut and Back

Death Valley National Park/California

Golden Canyon Trail to Red Cathedral

Death Valley, California

2.9 mi

Distance

679 ft

Elev. Gain

1h 15m

Est. Time

Out & Back

Route Type

Moderate

Difficulty

About This Trail

Imported description

The Golden Canyon Trail is a short hike to the Red Cathedral formations. The day-hike starts on Badwater Road, just south of Furnace Creek. The first mile of the trail goes up a canyon with golden rock formations and slot canyons. The junction is for the Gower Gulch trail. Go past the point and into a canyon. The trail becomes more challenging with one having to scramble over rocks to get to the base of Red Cathedral. The view at the top is amazing. Go back and forth between the slot canyon and the top. You can either hike back down Golden Canyon or extend the hike to get to the junction. Outside of summer, the heat can be extreme. It is recommended to carry extra water.

Trail Conditions

Unknown

We have no current condition data for this trail. Check with the operator before you go, and submit a report below if you've been recently.

No recent condition reports. Be the first to share what you see on the trail.

Elevation Profile

Min:-44 ft

Max:145 ft

207 ft

Trail Details

Route Type: Out & Back
Surface: Dirt

Official sources & verification

Managed by National Park Service

Verify before you go

Source of truth

National Park Service unit page
Alerts, conditions, and the unit's plan-your-visit page.

Verify by phone or mail

Operator:760-786-3200
Address:PO Box 579 · Death Valley, CA · 92328

Reviews

No reviews yet

Be the first to share your experience and help others plan their visit.

Legacy import — verify before navigating

Path geometry came from our pre-launch legacy database. Routes have not yet been re-verified against the operator and may differ from the actual trail.

Hunt context

This trail crosses hunting units

During hunting seasons, wear blaze orange and check regulations — see the Nevada hunting page

Status unknown — verify before visiting

Golden Canyon Trail to Red Cathedral

About This Trail

Trail Conditions

Trail Conditions

Elevation Profile

Trail Details

Reviews

No reviews yet

This trail crosses hunting units

Nearby Trails

Gower Gulch Loop Trail

Desolation Canyon Trail

Golden Canyon and Gower Gulch Loop via Zabriskie Point

Zabriskie Point and Gower Gulch Path Loop

Manly Beacon via Zabriskie Point and Gower Gulch

Zabriskie Point

Other trails in Death Valley National Park

Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes Trail

Mosaic Canyon Trail

Gower Gulch Loop Trail

Zabriskie Point

Darwin Falls Trail via Old Toll Road

Death Valley Natural Bridge Road

Campgrounds near this trail

Breakfast Canyon, Death Valley

Texas Springs Campground

Upper Loop Texas Springs Campground

Lower Loop Texas Springs Campground

The Oasis at Death Valley Fiddlers' Campground

Furnace Creek Campground

Similar trails in California

Mirror Lake Loop

Ryan Mountain Trail

Skull Rock Nature Trail

Cowles Mountain Trail

Eaton Canyon Trail

Three Sisters Waterfalls Trail