Cathedral Lake Trail #1984

White River National Forest

An extremely popular and difficult day hike, the 2.8 miles Cathedral Lake Trail follows Pine Creek Canyon and offers scenic views of the peaks of the Elk Mountain Range.

Cathedral Lake Trail climbs 0.75 mile before entering the Maroon-Snowmass Wilderness, then begins a steeper ascent following the cascading Pine Creek through the canyon. The trail briefly levels off at the top of the canyon then begins another ascent  before ending at a series of short, very steep switchbacks.

The lake is located 15 minutes from the top of the switchbacks. Cathedral Lake Trail will fork several times, take the left forks (the right forks go to Electric Pass). The lake lies just beyond a meadow after crossing Pine Creek (bridge).

To reach Cathedral Lake Trail from Aspen Colorado, travel west along Highway 82 to the roundabout. Travel around the roundabout and turn right onto Castle Creek Road. Continue 12.2 miles and turn right (just after passing Ashcroft) onto a gravel road. The trailhead is located 0.5 miles later.