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- Cathedral Peak
10,927 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Cathedral Peak
Cathedral Peak is a 10,927 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the Southeast Face: 5 mi, 2,540 ft of gain, Class 4.
Cathedral Peak at a glance
- Elevation10,927 ft3,330 m
- RouteSoutheast FaceClass 4
- Distance5 mi2,540 ft gain
- Time6 – 8 hrsHard effort
- SeasonJun – Oct
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the Southeast Face
In Yosemite, park at the Cathedral Lakes trailhead on Tioga Road (CA 120) just west of Tuolumne Meadows. Hike the Cathedral Lakes Trail about two miles, then leave it on a climbers trail toward the base of the southeast face. Scramble Class 3 slabs and gullies up the face to the notch below the summit block, which is an airy Class 4 move that most people protect with a rope. The face is popular, so expect parties above you and possible rockfall, and wear a helmet. Afternoon storms hit this exposed spire often, so be off the top by early afternoon.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (25–35 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
Harness
Rope
Belay Device
Carabiners
What to watch for
- Technical climbing
- Steep exposure
- Storms
- Rockfall
Quests with Cathedral Peak
Sierra Peaks SectionFrequently asked questions
How tall is Cathedral Peak?
Cathedral Peak is 10,927 feet (3,330 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to climb Cathedral Peak?
The Southeast Face is Class 4, which means exposed scrambling, where many parties bring a rope. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 5 miles with 2,540 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to climb Cathedral Peak?
Most people take 6 – 8 hours round trip on the Southeast Face, covering 5 miles with 2,540 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
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 rope to climb Cathedral Peak?
Most parties bring one. The Southeast Face is Class 4, and the gear list includes a rope, harness and belay device.
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.
When is the best time to climb Cathedral Peak?
The usual climbing window is June to October. 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