Cathedral in the Desert

The Cathedral is one of many natural icons re-emerging as Lake Powell recedes. Gregory Natural Bridge, one of the largest natural bridges in the country, is now visible and can be passed under. Submerged in 1963, Cathedral in the Desert first re-emerged briefly in 2005 when lake levels dropped 150 feet from their peak. In 2019 the lake dropped far enough that the Cathedral re-emerged for good. Compared with photos from before the dam, the waterfall has the same dark desert varnish, though the walls now carry the "bathtub ring" seen elsewhere around the lake.

Lake level notes (Oct 2026, ~3,532 ft): the Cathedral is fully out of the water. It begins to re-emerge below about 3,605 ft, and its waterfall runs below about 3,580 ft. Whether boats can reach the mouth of Clear Creek at current levels is unconfirmed, so check recent reports.

Good for

Natural AttractionsRock FormationTrailCanoe/Kayak Trail

Elevation

3,937 ft (1,200 m)

Updated

10/31/2026