Golden Canyon cuts a wide, golden swath into Death Valley's eastern hills, offering one of the park's most accessible canyon walks before ending at the base of Red Cathedral's towering red rock wall. The trail serves up classic Death Valley scenery without the navigation challenges or commitment level of true backcountry routes.
Trail Details
- 🏃Activities
- Hiking
- 📊Difficulty
- Moderate
- 🔁Trail Type
- out and back
- 📏Distance
- 3 miles
- ⬆️Elevation Gain
- 535 ft
- 📍Location
- CA
- 🐕Dogs Allowed
- No
- 💵Fee
- Free
Overview
The walk starts easy and stays that way for the first mile, following a wide wash through Golden Canyon's namesake golden-colored rock formations. The terrain feels almost civilized — a gentle grade on sandy footing with canyon walls rising gradually on both sides. Then you hit the junction with Gower Gulch Trail, and the character shifts.
The final push to Red Cathedral requires scrambling over 4-foot ledges and navigating rougher terrain. Nothing technical, but you'll use your hands. The payoff is standing at the base of fluted red rock walls that tower 400 feet overhead, carved into pillars and columns by flash floods over millennia.
What to Expect
The trailhead sits at -148 feet on Badwater Road, putting you below sea level from the start. The first mile travels on level ground through the wide canyon bottom, with golden rock walls gradually closing in. Navigation is straightforward — follow the main wash.
At roughly one mile, you'll reach the junction with Gower Gulch Trail. Continue straight for Red Cathedral. The terrain gets rougher here, requiring scrambling over rock ledges and boulders. The elevation gain kicks in during this final 0.5-mile push, climbing about 750 feet to reach Red Cathedral Junction at 153 feet elevation.
Red Cathedral itself is a 600-foot wall of red rock that's eroded into distinctive pillars, primarily on the right side. The contrast between the golden canyon floor and the red towering wall above is the trail's signature moment.
Tips & Logistics
Death Valley's heat rules everything. Avoid this hike if temperatures are forecast above 80°F. The trail is completely exposed with zero shade, so even moderate temperatures can become punishing in full sun. Late fall through late spring is the hiking window. Summer hiking is not advised after 10 AM.
The trailhead is 2 miles south of Highway 190 on Badwater Road — a quick drive from Furnace Creek. The paved parking lot accommodates about 20 cars and has vault toilets, but fills up during peak season. RVs and buses can park here too.
Bring more water than you think you need. The combination of elevation (below sea level), dry air, and sun exposure increases dehydration risk. There's no water along the trail, and the nearest facilities are back at Furnace Creek.
Dogs aren't allowed on any Death Valley trails, even if carried. Leave toilet paper behind if nature calls — the desert environment doesn't break it down, and it becomes an eyesore in the narrow canyon setting.
The park charges an entrance fee. Annual passes are available and pay for themselves quickly if you're planning to explore other areas of Death Valley during your visit.
Free maps are available at Furnace Creek Visitor Center, though this trail is straightforward enough that you won't need detailed navigation aids. The main decision point is whether to continue past Red Cathedral Junction for an additional 0.5 miles, which extends the total hike but doesn't necessarily improve the experience.