| About Coronado National Forest |
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| Cathedral Rock Trail |
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Ending Elevation:
6,320 Feet
Length:
2.9 Miles
USGS Map:
Mt. Lemmon
Usage:
Light
Elevation Gain:
1,000 Feet
Difficulty:
Most Difficult
Beginning Elevation:
5,320 Feet
Trail Number:
26
Reservation:
No
Season:
January - December
From Tucson, This trail is accessible only via other trails; from the Esperero Trail #25, 6.5 miles in, and from the West Fork Trail #24, 7.5 miles from the end of the Sabino Canyon shuttle road.
Location Information
Use of this trail is relatively light due to its rugged nature and because access to either end of the trail is rather difficult. The Cathedral Rock Trail has not been maintained in a number of years and in some areas is nearly overgrown and very difficult to follow. Add to this the fact that a large section of the trail is either very steep or narrow and rocky and you end up with a trail that is definitely not recommended for novices. Vegetation along the trail varies from upper Sonoran desert to pine and oak woodlands of the transition zone. Views from the trail are exceptional, highlighted by Cathedral Rock, Esperero Canyon, and Sabino Canyon while Tucson glitters in a sprawling pool far below. This trail does not lead to the summit of Cathedral Rock. Hikers who wish to scramble up the rugged maze of routes that leads to that 7,952 foot high summit, the highest in the front range, will need technical rock climbing experience to reach their goal. Most will be content with getting a bit closer and admiring Cathedral Rock from below with the respect it deserves. This trail is not only steep and rugged, but overgrown and hard to find as well. It is not recommended for novices. This trail is entirely within the Pusch Ridge Wilderness. Motorized and mechanical vehicles and equipment, including mountain bikes, are not permitted in Wilderness. Water can be found in some of the small drainages off Cathedral Rock during the wettest months of the year. Purification of water is recommended prior to use. This trail is used year-round, but winter can bring heavy snows and summer can be extremely hot.
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