| The lower portion of Cathedral 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 Cathedral 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, visitors are lead over Cathedral Creek before swinging north to head up this exceptionally scenic drainage. Colorful wildflowers abound throughout the summer months. If visitors take this trail late in summer, they will notice the variety of edible plants available along the way such as goose berries, rose hips, strawberries, and mushrooms (although 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. Shortly before reaching the notch between high jagged cliffs, the trail comes upon a small rushing waterfall. From here, the draw narrows among the cliffs.Spruce trees continue to shade the remainder of the trail passing through two fences about 0.5 miles apart, the second being the La Garita Drift fence. Four switchbacks take visitors up to pass through a saddle where the trail levels and edges around a grassy park. The trail then crosses a logging road, not on the Rio Grande Forest Map, sloping downward through the timber to the opposite trailhead on Forest Development Road #650.A visitors' hike may end here or they may wish to continue across the road for 1/8 mile to a trail junction. Southeasterly the trail meanders through the grassy meadows of Groundhog Park. Northwesterly, the trail heads up toward the 12,944 foot peak of Mesa Mountain.This trail measures 3.25 miles one-way and is located within the Rio Grande National Forest. The beginning elevation is 9,370 feet and the ending elevation is 10,960 feet. This trail is rated as "easy-moderate" and is sees "light" usage. |
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| | | Facilities: There are no facilities available on Cathedral Trail. Restrooms, picnic tables, fire rings, drinking water, and 33 individual campsites are provided at the Cathedral Campground. Other facilities can be found in Del Norte. Best Time To Visit: Cathedral Trail is generally open from May through October. Fees: There are no fees charged to hike this trail. Accessibility: Unknown Rules: There are a variety of rules to consider when visiting a National Forest. Please contact the local Forest Ranger for more specific information. Directions: To get to Cathedral Trail from: Pagosa Springs: Travel northeast on Highway 160 to County Road 18. Turn north and proceed about 1.5 miles to Forest Service Road 650. Continue north for about three miles to Forest Service Road 640. Turn northwest and continue for seven miles to the campground.Alamosa: Travel northwest on Highway 160 to Del Norte. From Del Norte take US Highway 160 west for approximately nine miles to County Road 18. Turn north and proceed about 1.5 miles to Forest Service Road 650. Continue north for about three miles to Forest Service Road 640. Turn northwest and continue for seven miles to the campground.Map: Click here for a map to Cathedral Trail Reservations: Reservations are not needed or accepted to use Cathedral Trail. | | |
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| | | | | Address | | Rio Grande National Forest-Divide Ranger District | | 13308 West Hwy 160 | | Del Norte, Colorado 81132 |
| | | Phone | | General: (719) 657-3321 | | TTY: (719) 657-6038 | |
| | | | | Website | | Email |
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