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Rio Grande National Forest
Elevation: 9,370 - 10,960 feet
Difficulty: Easy to ModerateThe lower portion of the trail from the campground to Cathedral Rocks is the easiest to negotiate. From Cathedral Rocks, the trail climbs steeper and becomes rocky until it tops out near Groundhog Park.
Cathedral Creek and Rocks are scenic attractions along the way
The trail begins on the east side of the larger and more northerly loop of Cathedral Campground. Amid shading aspen, ponderosa pine, and alder trees, you are lead over Cathedral Creek before swinging north to head up this exceptionally scenic drainage. Colorful wildflowers abound throughout the summer months and should you take this trail late in summer, you will notice almost immediately the edible plants available along the way such as Goose berries, rosehips, strawberries, and mushrooms (some are poisonous). The trail climbs steadily yet moderately upward along the creek and toward the towering cliffs of Cathedral rock. Through spruce and aspen stands, the trail crosses the creek many times and in places is rocky.
