Atlas › Grand Staircase / Hole-in-the-Rock
Neon Canyon (Golden Cathedral)
verified 2026-05-12
ACA 3B
Moderate flood risk
Escalante, UT
Iconic Escalante rappel through three stacked potholes in the ceiling of the Golden Cathedral arch.
Non-canyoneers can hike up from Escalante River to view the Cathedral.
Logistics
| Manager | BLM Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument |
|---|---|
| Permit | No fee, no day-use permit required. Free overnight backpacking permit required for any backcountry camping (self-issue at developed trailheads or at GSENM visitor centers in Cannonville, Escalante, Kanab, or Big Water). Day-use is free. |
| Distance | ~10-14 with approach via Fence Canyon |
| Elevation | ~1200 ft |
| Time | Long day or overnight |
| Technical | 3B II. Keeper potholes, ~83-ft final rappel through arches into Golden Cathedral |
| Season | Spring, fall |
| Flood risk | Moderate |
| Vehicle access | Egypt Bench Rd to Fence TH; HC/4WD |
| Crowd | Low to moderate |
| Coordinates | 37.5928, -111.2183 |