Cathedral Lake Trailhead #1984

ALERTS:

• Bear canisters are required for all backpackers in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness.
• Advance reservation permits are required for overnight stays in the Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness Overnight Permit Zones.

Get Permits

The Cathedral Lake Trail is 2.8 miles long. It begins at County Road 15h and ends at Sec 11 at Cathedral Lake. The trail climbs for 3/4 of a mile through an aspen forest before it enters the Maroon-Snowmass Wilderness, then begins a steeper ascent, following Pine Creek cascading through the canyon just off the trail. It levels briefly at the top of the canyon then begins another ascent through spruce forests and rockslides; and ends at a series of short, very steep switchbacks. The lake is 15 minutes from the top of the switchbacks. The trail will fork several times. Take the left forks, the right ones go to Electric Pass. The trail crosses Pine Creek on a new bridge. The lake lies just beyond the meadow on the other side of the creek.

At a Glance

Permit Info:	A permit is required for overnight stays in Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Overnight Permit Zones. This permit must be acquired in advance at recreation.gov. For all other overnight trips to the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, registration is required at the trailhead.
Usage:	Heavy
Restrictions:	Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness regulations protect this special place: Overnight permit required for overnight stays within the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Overnight Permit Zones. Food, trash and any scented items must be stored in an IGBC approved bear resistant container. Human food habituated bears are a threat to human safety. Visitors without approved bear resistant containers will be ticketed and required to leave. You must have a plan for human waste. Human waste bags (WAG) bags are highly recommended and are available free of charge at the Conundrum Creek and Snowmass Lake trailheads. WAG bags must be packed out. Learn more about how to use a WAG bag. If a WAG bag is not used, visitors are required to deposit solid human waste in holes dug 6 to 8 inches deep at least 200 feet (70 paces) from water, camp and trails. Group size is limited to 10 with no more than 15 stock animals in one group. Large groups multiply impacts to the wilderness and disrupt the solitude of others. Dogs are prohibited in the Conundrum Creek Valley from Silver Dollar Pond to Triangle Pass, including the hot springs. Everywhere else, dogs must be leashed. Campfires are prohibited at all designated sites at Conundrum Hot Springs, Capitol Lake, Crater Lake and above 10,800 feet including Snowmass Lake. Campfires consume wood, accumulate trash, kill fragile alpine vegetation, sterilize the soil and scar the land. Lightweight camp stoves are recommended. Campers must camp in designated sites at Conundrum Hot Springs, Copper Lake, Crater Lake, Geneva Lake, Capitol Lake and Thomas Lakes. Everywhere else campers should set up more than 100 feet from lakes, streams and trails and use previously impacted campsites. Camp out of sight of others and away from fragile areas. As with all designated Wilderness, motorized and mechanized equipment is prohibited including bicycles, motorbikes, chainsaws, ATVs, carts, drones, hang gliders and paragliders. This equipment is prohibited to provide visitors with a primitive recreational experience and to preserve outstanding opportunities for solitude.
Closest Towns:	Aspen, CO
Water:	Filter and treat all water
Restroom:	No restrooms in Wilderness; see Restrictions
Information Center:	Supervisor's Office: 900 Grand Ave. Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 970-945-2521

General Information

Directions:

From Aspen, CO drive 1/2 mile west on Highway 82 to the roundabout. Go around the roundabout and turn right onto Castle Creek Road. Drive 12.2 miles and turn right (shortly after passing Ashcroft) onto a gravel road, driving 1/2 mile to the trailhead.