An Iconic, Awe-Inspiring Landscape In Utah Is Great For A Hiking Or Backpacking Adventure

If you want to visit one of the most breathtaking places in the American southwest, look no further than Utah. In a state packed full of awe-inspiring landscapes, the Golden Cathedral in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument stands out. In this natural cathedral, sunlight filters through the holes in the stone above, bathing the rocks in a golden glow and reflecting in a pool of water below. It's one of the most iconic views in all of the 1.9 million acres of Grand Staircase. 

While stepping into the Golden Cathedral is the big payoff, the hike out offers its own share of wonder. The trail travels across sand and rock, through rivers, and beneath the towering sandstone walls of Neon Canyon. At ten miles out-and-back, the trail isn't easy and involves route-finding and creek crossings, but for those who are prepared, it's an unforgettable adventure. Part of the magic of the cathedral is that it's challenging to reach, meaning you might end your hike to this natural sanctuary in perfect solitude. 

The trail begins at Egypt Bench, around 30 miles outside Escalante, and makes for a great detour on one of America's most scenic road trips from Panguitch to Torrey. At the trailhead, you'll have panoramic views over the otherworldly canyons, domes, and sand dunes that stretch as far as the eye can see. The route winds down through Fence Canyon, across sand and slickrock. Allow the cairns to guide you toward Escalante River, where you'll find excellent backcountry camping spots if you're planning to stay overnight.

From there, you either wade downstream in the river for around a mile or make your way through the vegetation on the banks. Either way, expect wet feet as you'll need to cross the river five times before reaching the mouth of Neon Canyon. Here, the walls of this stunning slot canyon rise dramatically, painted with rich shades of orange, brown, and black streaks of desert varnish.

It's not long before the trail dead-ends in the most spectacular way. The Golden Cathedral blocks your path, the red-rock amphitheater providing welcome shade, with sunlight spilling through the holes into the shimmering water below. Hikers on AllTrails call the route one of the most beautiful they've done, "amazing", and "so worth it." But they definitely don't call it easy!

Even reaching the trailhead is challenging. From Escalante, it's a bone-shaking drive out, and you'll need a high-clearance vehicle to make it. Check road conditions at Escalante Interagency Visitor Center before you leave, as a four-by-four might be required to drive Egypt Road, depending on recent weather conditions. You'll also want to ask rangers about the weather and the danger of flash flooding in the canyon and the Cathedral itself.

Take plenty of water, particularly in summer. Several hikers on AllTrails recommend bringing five liters. If that sounds too heavy, you can drink the river water, so long as you filter it. Many veteran hikers swear by Smartwater bottles, which, when fitted with a Sawyer Squeeze filter, make most water drinkable. Don't forget to plan for bugs, too, particularly from late spring to early fall: wearing long pants is recommended, despite the sometimes sweltering heat.

The hike can be done in a day, but the scramble down, trek through the river, and climb back up to the trailhead can be exhausting. There are scenic places to camp along the river or in Fence Canyon (though camping at the cathedral itself is discouraged). If you do camp, make sure to try these genius hacks for keeping bugs away! But trust us, the bugs, sweat, and tears will all be worth it when you stand alone at dawn in the majestic Golden Cathedral.