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Aspen Ranger District

Quick Facts

Cathedral Lake Trail

Average Time:	4 - 5 Hours one way
Beginning Elevation:	9,880 Feet (3079.8 Meters)
Difficulty:	Difficult
Elevation Gain:	1,996 Feet (622.2 Meters)
Ending Elevation:	11,866 Feet (3698.9 Meters)
Length:	3.2 Miles (5.33 Kilometers) one way
Other Maps:	Trails Illustrated 127 Aspen, Independence Pass
Recommended Season:	Summer to Fall
Trail Number:	1984
Usage:	Very Heavy
USGS Maps:	Hayden Peak

		Satellite and Topo Map

General Description

A great way to see this severely cragged 13,943' peak is from the Cathedral Lake Trail located on Castle Creek Road West of Aspen, Colorado

Copyright: USDA Forest Service
A great way to see this severely cragged 13,943' peak is from the Cathedral Lake Trail located on Castle Creek Road West of Aspen, Colorado

Difficult day hike and strenuous backpack. The trail climbs steadily, paralleling Pine Creek for most of the hike. The trail is in the open until reaching a series of switchbacks followed by a marked fork. Take the left fork to Cathedral Lake (the right fork goes to Electric Pass). Cathedral Lake is very scenic with fair fishing. For a longer hike continue to Electric Pass for incredible views. From Electric Pass to the Conundrum Creek Trail there is not a maintained trail.

Directions from Aspen: Drive 1/2 mile west of Aspen on Highway 82. At the roundabout, turn onto Castle Creek Road. Drive 12.2 miles up Castle Creek and turn right (shortly after passing Ashcroft) onto a gravel road, driving a 1/2 mile to the trailhead.

Seasonal Information:
Normally Accessible: June through September (NOTE: The Cathedral Lake Trail may be obstructed by snow in Spring, Fall, and Winter months.) .

Current Conditions & Trip Reports

Winter Conditions. Beware of avalanche danger and hypothermia. Updated: 2002-12-23 14:35:00.0

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Filed By: The Balvarez (Chico, CA)
Time of Day: On Trail at 8:30am
Length of Time: 6.5 Hours, that includes Cathedral Lake
Difficulty: Moderate
Number of People Encountered: 0-10 ppl
Recommend to a Friend: Highly
Report: Trail was a little over grown above the split to Cathedral Lake. Other Than That, trail was very easy to find. The Overlook includes Castle Peak, Conundrum Peak, and many valleys.We were off the peak by noon. Definatly a must. It not to much more to add Cathedral Lake into the hike.
Conditions: Dry, and warm. Flys up until about tree line.
Water Availability: Took 2.5 liters, was plenty. Other person in group drank 3 Liters
Recommended Clothing: Lite pants, take a small fleese. Sun was brutal above 12,000.
Suggested Accessories: Nice pair of Boots

Time of Day: 3pm
Length of Time: coudnt find it
Difficulty: Easy
Number of People Encountered: 0-10 ppl
Recommend to a Friend: Highly
Report: Got lost because snow coverd trail we hicked 3 miles past it
Conditions: snow
Water Availability: didnt need much water
Recommended Clothing: warm clothing

Time of Day: 9 am - 12:30 pm
Length of Time: 3.5 hours total with a lunch stop at lake
Difficulty: Moderate
Number of People Encountered: 11-25 ppl
Recommend to a Friend: Highly
Report: The trail is fairly steady from the trailhead which you drive 5 minutes up a dirt road to get to. Start through aspens, into spruce/fir and then into a sub-alpine zone. The switch backs right before the electric pass turnoff are the hardest part, but once at the top it's free sailing from there. The trails heading off towards electric pass are well marked, so you can't accidently go the wrong way. Go around to the left side of the lake for some awesome lunch rocks.
Conditions: Beautiful sunny day. Very nicely maintained trail which is impossible to lose.
Water Availability: I had a full nalgene. You could filter water pretty easily along the trail from the creek.
Recommended Clothing: I had on a visor, running shoes, wicking tank and lightweight shorts. I carried a lightweight capilene and windstopper in my pack.
Suggested Accessories: A camera, fishing pole, bug spray & sunscreen.

Difficulty: Moderate
Number of People Encountered: 25-50 ppl
Recommend to a Friend: Highly
Report: Trail is clear all of the way to the lake. Beautiful as always, but already getting heavy usage. Lots of flies around the lake, so be prepared. Also many rangers on trail ticketing unleashed dogs.

Difficulty: Hard
Number of People Encountered: 0-10 ppl
Recommend to a Friend: Neutral
Report: Trailhead closed. Park on Castle Creek Road and walk in 3/4 mile. Trail clear to Wilderness boundary, then increasing snow the further you go. Be prepared to posthole.

Recreation Opportunities

Activity		Remarks	On Site
	Fishing	Cathedral Lake	Yes
	Hiking & Walking	Cathedral Lake Trail	Yes

Related Activities

American Lake Trail - This trail can be either strenuous day hike, or a short backpack. It leads to American Lake.

Castle Creek Area - The Castle Creek Area and Castle Creek Valley leads to the south of Aspen. It includes attractions such as Conundrum Creek, Ashcroft, Montezuma Basin, Taylor Pass and Express Creek.

Castle Creek Road - This drive is one of the most enjoyable drives in the Aspen area. The paved road follows Castle Creek 13 miles up the valley.

Cathedral Lake to Electric Pass Trail - This is a difficult day hike and strenuous backpack trip. It is recommended to plan an overnight visit.

Express Creek Road to Taylor Pass Road - This is a popular high-altitude jeep route beginning at Express Creek Road. Because of the altitude snow is often present well into mid-July.

Montezuma Basin Four-Wheel Drive Road - There is often snow on the road well into July. This road is very rugged, and in some sections is located in a stream.

Pearl Pass Road - Despite the likelihood of snow on the road well into July, the Pearl Pass Road is heavily used especially on weekends. The road is very rocky and steep in sections and often impassable in a vehicle.