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BPX 3-Day: Cathedral Lake from Cathedral Lake TH

This 5.3 mile out-n-back trip with 2,1910 vertical feet is a challenging but the rewards from the high-alpine lake are worth every drop of sweat equity. Camp in the same place for both nights. Options on day 2 include a day hike to Electric Pass, chilling at camp or fishing. Need to be fit, and able to sleep at 12,000ft to really enjoy it.  Lake is popular with day hikers.

Suggested Backpacking Section (BPX) itinerary for 3-day trip to be used for CMC trips led by BPX leaders for BPX members:

Day 1: Drive to Cathedral Lake TH, and backpack along Cathedral Lake Trail (#1984) to Cathedral Lake.  Setup camp in a suitable spot in the trees (2.7 miles, +2,021 / -179 ft.).

Route: Day 1

Day 2: Options to hike the Electric Pass Trail (#1981) to Electric Pass, fish, hang around camp and/or explore.

Optional Day Hike: Electric Pass (5.25 miles, +-1,870 ft.)

Day 3: Break camp and return to Cathedral Lake TH (2.7 miles, +179 / -2,021 ft.).

Route: Day 3

Overall Route: 5.3 miles, +-2,191 ft.

NOTES:

  1. Always practice Leave No Trace techniques.
  2. More information about White River National Forest/Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness is available here.
  3. General Requirements: A permit is required for entry into the Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness. These are free and can be found at the trailhead register boxes. Group size is limited to 10 persons. The Avalanche Campground is close to the trailhead.
  4. From 2020: Outstanding trip: location, weather, activities available. Fishing, climbing.  Access to Leahy Peak, Cathedral Peak, Malemute Peak, Electric Pass, the highest pass in CO.  Camping was dispersed in a very large and well managed camping area.  Could easily support a 6-8 person CMC group.    
  5. Driving Directions: Leaving the Twin Forks Park & Ride on 285 S to Buena Vista, to Hwy 82, Independence Pass to Aspen. Drive through Aspen. At the round-about, take the Castle Creek Rd turn.  Drive about 12 miles, look for a sign on the right that says Cathedral Lake and TH.  Turn right and drive to the TH.  Recommended AWD, clearance, 4WD. 162 miles and 3.5 hrs. on the road.
  6. Google Map Driving Directions: From the Colorado Mountain Club (Golden, CO) to the Cathedral Lake TH.

  • Suitable Activities: Backpacking
  • Seasons: June, July, August, September, October
  • Weather: View weather forecast
  • Difficulty: Difficult
  • Length: 5.3 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 2,191 ft
  • 12,000 ft
  • Land Manager: U.S. Forest Service
    White River Field Office, Aspen Ranger District (WRNF)
  • Parking Permit Required: USFS Permits & Passes
  • Recommended Party Size: 6
  • Maximum Party Size: 12
  • Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12
Map
  • Trails Illustrated 128
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