Hiking Cathedral Lake Trail in Aspen, Colorado
Switchbacks and Sublime Views on Popular Mountain Day Hike
Sep 19, 2008
When Aspen locals are in the mood for half-day mountain hike, and don't want to drive too far to a trialhead, they typically consider American Lake Trail or Cathedral Lake Trail -- both with origins less than 15 miles from the downtown core.
Cathedral Lake Trail is considered a "difficult" hike, but the incline is fairly steady, except for one section with eight very steep switchbacks (sharp turns in the trail). But if you make it to the end of the three-mile journey, you'll be rewarded along the way with gorgeous mountain vistas. Plus, it's a great picnic spot at emerald-green Cathedral Lake, surrounded by jagged peaks.
Cathedral Lake Trail Details
Reach the Cathedral Lake trailhead by driving about 12 miles up Castle Creek Road, accessed at the Aspen Valley Hospital just west of town. The trailhead is on the right (turn shortly after passing Ashcroft ghost town and historic site) and marked with a wooden sign. It's a .75-mile drive along a very bumpy dirt road to the trailhead; a four-wheel-drive vehicle is highly recommended.
According to the White River National Forest Aspen Ranger District, the route is 2.8 miles one way, with an elevation gain of 2,000 feet. The length of time required to complete the out-and-back trail depends on a hiker's energy and ability level, but for folks who are accustomed to hiking in the Rockies, the trek to the lake can be easily completed in under two hours. (Flatlanders who might not be used to the high-altitude thin air or adults hiking with school-age children could take longer.)
The first part of the trail is a steady, moderate incline through aspen groves. After it enters the Maroon-Snowmass Wilderness, the trail then begins a slightly steeper ascent, following Pine Creek, which cascades through a gorge (you'll hear the waterfall). The hiker will cross a very large boulder field, balancing on rocks, and then reach a series of eight switchbacks (sharp turns) on a very steep mountainside.
Take a minute to catch your breath after ascending this steep section - you've almost made it! It's just another 15 to 25 minutes (again, depending on ability level) before Cathedral Lake.
If You Go to Cathedral Lake
Stop by the Forest Service Aspen Ranger District Office on 806 W. Hallam Street to pick up a sheet that details the topography for the Cathedral Lake Trail.
Dress in layers. The high-altitude sun can be hot, but since the lake is at 11,866 feet above sea level, it's typically cool at the top. Be prepared for rain, too, with a rain jacket or poncho.
Go early! You'll want to get up to the lake and back down to the trailhead by the time typical mid- to late-afternoon summer thunderstorms hit. Plus, the small parking lot at the trailhead usually fills up by lunchtime, especially on the weekends, and you'll need to park on the side of a very narrow dirt road - far from the trail's origin.
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