This a Marked,
Moderately Strenuous hike. It is a 1.4 mile walk each way and
the elevation ranges from 7,600ft to 8,600ft. The trail is open
Spring through Fall and is has moderate to heavy use.
TRAIL
ACCESS
Take State
Route 157 in upper Kyle Canyon to the Cathedral Rock Picnic Area.
The trailhead is located near the first parking lot as one enters
the picnic area. The entrance gate is open from 8:00 am to 8:00
p.m. in the Summer.
TRAIL
DESCRIPTION
Cathedral
Rock begins in Mazie Canyon amid Ponderosa and White Fir, but
soon enters a stand of Aspen. This is one of the most colorful
areas in the summer when the wildflowers are blooming and the
butterflies are all about. In the winter, it is a major avalanche
path where only Aspen and brush survive the repeated snow slides.
About halfway
up the trail is a waterfall just off the trail to the left. There
is a short, old road leading to it. Although three falls flow
down early in the season, there is usually only a trickle by the
end of summer.
As the trail
ascends out of the canyon toward the back of Cathedral Rock, one
gets a view of the avalanche chute below. When the trail reaches
the saddle, keep to the right. The trail climbs a few short, steep
switchbacks before reaching the Summit.
On top is
a spectacular view of Kyle Canyon several hundred feet below.
Closely supervise small children and watch your footing.
As you descend,
please stay on the trail. The vertical cliffs below are dangerous
and have claimed lives.
TRAIL
RULES
*Be Considerate.
* Do not
litter. Leave trail in the same condition you found it or better.
*Stay on
designated trail. Short cutting switchbacks causes erosion, makes
ugly scars, and destroys the existing trail.
* Do not
deface trees or trail signs.
* Bury human
waste at least 200' away from the trail and at least 6 inches
deep.
FIRE
RULES
* Fire and
smoking restrictions are put into effect during times of high
fire danger, in the summer. Watch for signs. Generally during
the summer months fires are prohibited except in camp ground
and picnic areas and only in fire rings.
* Please
use existing fire rings whenever possible and be sure to completely
extinguish all fires before leaving.
WATER
* Take drinking
water with you.
* Before
drinking all spring water, it should be boiled to destroy harmful
micro-organisms.
MECHANIZED
VEHICLES & HORSES
* Bicycles
and motorized vehicles are prohibited.
* Horses
are allowed on the trail. However, it is NOT recommended they
ascend the last 500 yards to the top of Cathedral Rock. The Trail
gets steep and slippery in spots.
