Cathedral Rock Trail was our third trail of the day. Robber's and Fletcher's were fairly easy and enjoyable on this cool, September day.
Cathedral Rock surprised me and Ken. It was only 1.8 miles each way, but the first 1.5 miles was 100% uphill and the last 0.3 miles was 99% uphill. About a third of the way up, we saw this tall peak on our right. We both were glad that we were not going there this day. We soon realized that was exactly where we were going.
Cathedral Rock has two trailheads - one begins at the free parking area and another up the road 1/4 mile in the fee area. The signage shows this well. We knew the fee area from our South Loop hike last month, so we decided to walk up the road and start from the distant trailhead and then return via the stairway next to our vehicle.
The walk up the road appeared steeper than I remembered it to be. After passing the second gate, we found our trail at another excellent sign and map.
The trail is immediately and relentlessly up, up & up over rocks. The trail goes up about 1000 feet to the 8300 ft. elevation. A boulder median has been built - maybe to separate hikers from horse riders. This "divided highway" is straight for awhile and then curves right. A lot more altitude and a few bends leads to a fork. Going right took us to the peak and great views only after some steep steps and dirt trail.
From the top, we could see all of Kyle Canyon, the Charleston Lodge & much of the colorful roofs of the housing nestled in the pines.
A short, but challenging hike with a reward. Nice first day of Fall. We returned and took the left fork directly to the parking lot and a malted "reward" at the lodge.
Following are pictures with some comments.
The divided trail.
This high peak turned out to be our destination.
Chipmunks are friendly and abundant.
The village with its colorful roofs.
The lodge and the end loop of Highway 157.