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Coronado Hiking Trails |
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Cathedral Rock Trail #26
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.
Attractions:
Connects front range to Catalina trails
High country views
Access to Cathedral Rock
Challenging trail
Season: All year (see notes)
Length: 2.9 miles
Elevation: 5,320'-6,920'
Rating: Most difficult
Use: Light
USGS Map(s): Mt. Lemmon
Access: 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.
Notes:
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. See
the Wilderness section
of this guide
for more
wilderness rules and ethics.
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.
When hiking in remote areas go with a companion whenever
possible. Always tell someone where you’ve gone and when you expect
to return.
No dogs allowed.
Before using this trail, call the Santa Catalina
Ranger District for current trail conditions
which can vary
with season,
weather and maintenance
status.
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