Cathedral Lake 
Distance: 5.6 miles (round trip)
Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, White River National Forest, near Aspen in Central Colorado
Cathedral Peak from Cathedral Lake
This popular day hike steeply ascends Pine Creek canyon traveling through forests and meadows to Cathedral Lake, a gorgeous alpine gem nestled in a dramatic cirque beneath rugged granite peaks.
See Trail Detail/Full Description
- Distance: 5.6 miles (round trip) to Cathedral Lake
- Elevation: 9,880-ft. at Trailhead
11,866-ft. at Cathedral Lake - Elevation Gain: 1,986-ft. to Cathedral Lake
- Difficulty: strenuous
- More Hikes in:
Aspen / Central Colorado
Why Hike Cathedral Lake
Cathedral Lake is deservedly one of the most popular day hikes in the Aspen area. The stiff climb, ascending 2,000-ft. up beautiful Pine Creek canyon, traverses aspen groves, spruce-fir forests and pretty meadows on its way to Cathedral Lake, an alpine jewel cradled in a stunning cirque of jagged granite summits and rugged ridges, anchored by Cathedral Peak (13,943-ft.).
Hikers with the time and energy will want to extend the hike by climbing the challenging and steep trail to Electric Pass, a spectacular viewpoint on a high ridge running between Cathedral Peak and Peak 13635.
Elevation Profile
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Trail Resources
Trail Detail/Full Description / Trail Photo Gallery / Trail Map
Basecamp(s) Information:
Region Information:
Central Colorado
Other Hiking Regions in:
Colorado