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- Cathedral Peak
13,952 ft · Elk Mountains, Colorado
Cathedral Peak
Cathedral Peak is a 13,952 ft peak in the Elk Mountains, Colorado. The standard route is the South Ridge and Couloir: 8 mi, 4,025 ft of gain, Class 3.
Cathedral Peak at a glance
- Elevation13,952 ft4,252 m
- RouteSouth Ridge and CouloirClass 3
- Distance8 mi4,025 ft gain
- Time8 – 10 hrsVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeElk MountainsColorado
Climbing the South Ridge and Couloir
From the roundabout on the west side of Aspen, take Castle Creek Road (CR 15) about 12 miles to the Cathedral Lake Trailhead just past Ashcroft; passenger cars are fine. Hike the steep trail to Cathedral Lake, then climb the loose couloir to the south ridge and scramble Class 3 rock to the summit. The Elk Mountains rock is rotten, so test holds and wear a helmet. The couloir can hold snow into early July. Start very early, as afternoon storms build quickly here. Cathedral Lake has camping and is busy on weekends.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (30–40 L)
Hiking Boots
Water
Offline Maps
Headlamp
Satellite Communicator
Whistle
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Sun Hat
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Warm Hat
Buff
Midweight Gloves
Trekking Poles
GPS Device
Power Bank
Water Filter
First-Aid Kit
Emergency Bivy
Helmet
What to watch for
- Loose rock
- Rockfall
- Steep exposure
- Snow near summit
- Storms
Quests with Cathedral Peak
Colorado Centennials
Colorado 13ersPeaks near Cathedral Peak
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Cathedral Peak?
Cathedral Peak is 13,952 feet (4,252 m) tall. It is in the Elk Mountains, Colorado.
How does Cathedral Peak rank among the Colorado Centennials?
At 13,952 feet, Cathedral Peak is the 60th highest of the 100 Colorado Centennials. The highest is Mount Elbert.
How hard is it to climb Cathedral Peak?
The South Ridge and Couloir is Class 3, which means scrambling, where you use your hands to climb and a fall could be serious. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 8 miles with 4,025 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to climb Cathedral Peak?
Most people take 8 – 10 hours round trip on the South Ridge and Couloir, covering 8 miles with 4,025 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Is Cathedral Peak dangerous to climb?
It has real risks: exposed sections where a fall would be serious, rockfall from loose rock and fast-changing weather. Go with an experienced partner, wear a helmet, test holds before you trust them and turn back if the rock is wet or icy.
Do you need a helmet for Cathedral Peak?
It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the South Ridge and Couloir, so a helmet is on the gear list.
Will you get altitude sickness on Cathedral Peak?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Cathedral Peak reaches 13,952 feet. Spend a night or two at elevation first, drink plenty of water and turn back if a headache, nausea or dizziness gets worse.
What time should you start climbing Cathedral Peak?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 8 – 10 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.
When is the best time to climb Cathedral Peak?
The usual climbing window is July to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb Cathedral Peak with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list