This trail begins in the Dollhouse area of the Maze and leads one and a half miles eastward to the Colorado River. The trail descends 1,200 feet into Cataract Canyon of the Colorado. It provides expansive views of the canyon and river on the descent.

Begin this hike from the trailhead between Dollhouse Camp number three and Dollhouse Camp number two. (This is also the trailhead for the Surprise Valley Overlook Trail.) The track begins at 5,120 feet and crosses a relatively flat area for the first half mile. Within this half mile the trail forks, bear left at this split.

The next junction lies approximately three quarters of a mile from the trailhead. The right side of this split leads southward to the Surprise Valley Overlook. To reach Spanish Bottom bear left at this junction.

Below this second junction the trail begins to descend steeply into Surprise Valley. It then levels for a short distance then makes the final 560-foot descent into Cataract Canyon. The track reaches the Colorado River at a level area called Spanish Bottom. Immediately across the river you'll see the Lower Red Lake Canyon Trail, which descends from the Needles district of the park.

Directions: From Hans Flat Visitor Center, Drive eastward on the entrance road to a junction. Turn right and follow this four-wheel drive road southward. In 2.5 miles you'll reach another junction, bear right and continue driving southward. Approximately one mile north of Flint Trail is the Flint Seep Camp. Continue past this to a junction where you'll bear left and ascend the Orange Cliffs. Two and a half miles from the Flint Trail junction you'll reach the next junction. Bear right at this junction and drive 6.5 miles to an intersection. Turn left on to REC Road 756 at this intersection and begin driving northeastward. In 2 miles you'll see the Teapot Camp on the right side of the road and Teapot Rock on the left. Continuing northward you'll pass the eastern terminus of The Golden Stairs Trail on the right approximately 5 miles from Teapot Rock. In the next 7 miles you'll pass the southern trailheads leading into The Maze. At Chimney Rock Camp the road turns southward and leads 5 miles to the Dollhouse. Between Dollhouse Camp #3 and Dollhouse Camp #2 is the trailhead for the Spanish Bottom Trail and Surprise Valley Overlook Trail. (Please take a map, there are several four-wheel drive roads in this area to confuse you.)

Elevation: 5,120 feet

Ending Elevation: 3,920 feet

Usage: Light

Difficulty: Strenuous

Visitor Information