1. Destinations
  2. >
  3. United States
  4. >
  5. Colorado
  6. >
  7. Pitkin County
  8. >
  9. Cathedral Peak

Cathedral Peak - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

Viewpoints
1 Day Treks
Mountain Peaks
8ecb5dce-de16-4073-863c-7f2b43c5fc3e
e7a6311d-677d-4c2d-9297-b0f1a3e7d913
c8052174-338c-45e7-b1e5-c8b5a5c8840e

About Cathedral Peak

Cathedral Peak is one of the most popular summits in the Elk Mountains of Colorado. Located in Pitkin County, the peak sits at an elevation of 12,943 feet. The peak got its name from its pyramidal shape, which resembles a cathedral. Summit seekers can reach the top via a trail that starts at the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area. The hike is considered to be moderate to difficult, and it typically takes between four and six hours to complete.
Address : Cathedral Peak, Colorado 81611, USA

Things to Do at Cathedral Peak

One of the most popular things to do while visiting Cathedral Peak is to go hiking. There are a variety of trails to choose from, ranging from easy strolls to more challenging mountain hikes. For those who want to extend their stay, there are also camping sites available. Another popular activity is mountain biking. There are several bike trails in the area, and the scenery is simply breathtaking. For those who prefer a more relaxing vacation, there are also plenty of picnic areas and fishing spots. No matter what your interests are, you’re sure to find something to enjoy at Cathedral Peak.


Top Activities Near Cathedral Peak

Filter By Date
//
Sort By

History of Cathedral Peak

Cathedral Peak is a mountain peak in Pitkin County, Colorado. The peak is the highest point in the Cathedral Range, a subrange of the Elk Mountains. Cathedral Peak is located approximately 12 miles north-northeast of Aspen and 6 miles south-southeast of Redstone. The peak gets its name from its resemblance to a Gothic cathedral. The first recorded ascent of Cathedral Peak was made in 1869 by a party led byferdinand V. Hayden. The climb is considered to be one of the classic climbs in Colorado, and it is frequently climbed in summer and winter. In 1933, a glacier was named after the peak, and in 1960, the U.S. Board on Geographic Names officially designated Cathedral Peak as the name of the peak.


Best Time to Visit Cathedral Peak

The best time to visit Cathedral Peak is in the summertime, when the weather is warm and dry. Hiking trails are open and visitors can enjoy the full beauty of the mountains. In addition, summer is the peak season for wildlife spotting, as bald eagles, bighorn sheep, and elk can all be seen in the area. 


Tips for Visiting Cathedral Peak

  1. researching the fourteener beforehand can give you a better understanding of the hike and what to expect. There are many different guidebooks and websites that provide information on the best route to take, what gear to bring, and what the conditions are typically like.
  2. Make sure you are in good physical shape before attempted a fourteen. It is important to know your limits and challenge yourself within those limits. Training hikes can help you better assess how your body will handle the elevation gain and loss, as well as the distance.
  3. Start early! Not only will this help you avoid afternoon thunderstorms, but it will also give you more time to enjoy the views.
  4. Bring plenty of water and snacks. Hiking at high altitudes can be dehydrating, even on cool days. Try to drink at least two liters of water per day, and pack some high-energy snacks like nuts or dried fruit for when you start to flag.
  5. Be prepared for cold weather: Even in the summer months, the temperature can drop quickly at high altitudes, so pack a jacket or layers that you can put on if necessary.
  6. Follow the rules: Please remember that Cathedral Peak is part of a National Forest and that all forest regulations must be followed while hiking (e.g., no camping above timberline). By following these tips, you’ll be sure to have a safe and enjoyable hike to Cathedral Peak!

Interesting Facts and Trivias About Cathedral Peak

  1. Cathedral Peak is located in the Elk Mountains, about 12 miles southwest of Aspen. It rises to an elevation of 14,265 feet, making it one of the tallest peaks in the Elk Mountains.
  2. For expert climbers, there are also several more challenging routes up the peak, including a difficult Class 5 climb.
  3. The views from the summit are spectacular, with panoramas of the Maroon Bells, Snowmass Mountain, and other nearby peaks.
  4. Cathedral Peak was designated as a Wilderness Area in 1980, preserving it for future generations.
  5. The north face of the peak is home to a large number of waterfalls, making it a popular destination for photographers.
  6. Although it’s not the tallest mountain in Colorado, Cathedral Peak is still an impressive sight to behold!
  7. The peak is named for its resemblance to a Gothic cathedral, with its two spires rising above the lower peaks around it.
  8. In 1977, the area around Cathedral peak was designated as a National Natural Landmark by the United States Department of the Interior. 
     

How Much Time Did Visitors Spend at Cathedral Peak

  1. At an elevation of 11,959 feet, Cathedral Peak is one of the tallest mountains in the area.
  2. . Cathedral Peak is part of the Elk Mountains, a range that includes some of the most iconic peaks in Colorado.
  3. The standard route up the peak involves scrambling over loose talus and narrow ledges. Exposed summits like Cathedral Peak are often referred to as "Fourteeners," due to their height above 14,000 feet.
  4. The peak is also home to a number of rare plant species, including the Blue Iris and the Rocky Mountain Columbine.
  5. Cathedral Peak is an iconic landmark of Colorado and a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts from all over the world.
  6. Cathedral Peak is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, elk, and bighorn sheep.

How to Reach Cathedral Peak

To reach Cathedral Peak in Pitkin County, Colorado, head west on Highway 82 from the town of Aspen. You'll start to see the peak in the distance after a few miles. To get to the base of the peak, continue on Highway 82 until you reach the turn-off for Shelf Road. From there, follow the signs for Cathedral Peak. The trailhead is located just off Shelf Road.


Entrance Fee of Cathedral Peak

There is no entrance fee to explore Cathedral Peak in Pitkin County, Colorado. However, there are some suggested donations that help to maintain the trails and facilities in the area. 


Opening Hours of Cathedral Peak

The trail is also open year-round, but conditions can be challenging in winter. 


Attractions Near Cathedral Peak

94bac847-55f9-4458-b496-2ab2a69fa74a
Conundrum PeakConundrum Peak is a popular destination for hikers and mountaineers in the Pitkin County area of Colorado. The peak rises to an elevation of 12,713 feet, making it one of the tallest peaks in the area. The summit offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, and the trail leading to the top is relatively easy to follow. However, the last kilometer or so of the hike is quite steep and can be treacherous in wet or icy conditions.
bc5ed09e-a6ff-40a0-b60d-8013820b6802
Castle PeakCastle Peak is the highest point in Pitkin County, Colorado and the ninth highest peak in the state. The summit is located in the Elk Mountains, about 12 miles southwest of Aspen. Castle Peak was first climbed in 1874 by a team led by geologist Ferdinand Hayden. The peak gets its name from its striking resemblance to a medieval castle. Castle Peak is a popular destination for climbers and hikers, and it offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
d0e57635-db14-4432-b66e-3002f6118b38
Ashcroft Ghost TownAshcroft was once a booming town in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, but today it is a ghost town. Founded in 1880, Ashcroft was a silver-mining town located in what is now Pitkin County, Colorado. At its peak, the town had a population of over 2,000 people. However, the silver mines began to play out in the early 1900s, and as the population dwindled, so did the businesses and services in town. The last residents left Ashcroft in the 1950s, and today only a few buildings remain standing.
0b8c2182-3cda-49c0-985d-1ea3980ca7e6
Pyramid PeakPyramid Peak is one of the tallest mountains in the Pitkin County region of Colorado. Standing at an impressive 14,018 feet, it is no wonder that this peak is a popular destination for hikers and mountaineers. The summit offers stunning views of the surrounding area, and the climb to the top is both challenging and rewarding. However, Pyramid Peak is not without its dangers. The mountain is notorious for its unpredictable weather, and strong winds can make the ascent quite treacherous.
e3166e69-9129-41eb-bef7-b446ebd024cb
Conundrum TrailheadConundrum Trailhead is located in the White River National Forest in Pitkin County. The trailhead is accessible from both the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness and the adjoining Hunter-Fryingpan Wilderness. The Conundrum Trailhead is a popular starting point for backpacking and hiking trips into the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. There are several trails in the area, ranging from easy to difficult. The Conundrum Hot Springs trail is a popular destination for backpackers.
ee078dd6-3cbd-4b3e-a770-01e0b4ba6a27
Maroon LakeMaroon Lake is a stunning alpine lake, Surrounded by soaring peaks, the lake is well-known for its dramatic scenery and is a popular destination for hikers and photographers. The Maroon Bells, two 14,000-foot peaks that reflect in the lake's waters, are especially popular. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, canoeing, and kayaking on the clear waters of the lake. While there are no developed campgrounds at Maroon Lake, visitors can find primitive camping sites along the shoreline.

Discover More Attractions in Pitkin County, Home of Cathedral Peak

93f2785e-266d-44fb-b45d-7d176e664cfc
Pitkin County
Pitkin County is located in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, just southwest of Aspen. The county is home to several ski resorts, as well as the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness area. Tourism is a major industry in Pitkin County, and the area is popular for both winter and summer recreation. In the winter, visitors can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing, while in the summer they can hike, fish, and camp. The county is also home to a number of cultural attractions, including the

Location of Cathedral Peak


Comments

Please Sign In to add your comments
Looking for hotels nearby. Click here to explore!
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply
Sign In To Continue...
Share : undefined

Download Travalour
travalour-logo
Download our app to discover & explore destinations and to meet travellers around the world
get-it-on-google-play