Cathedral Peak

BETA PHOTO: Cathedral Peak

Description 

One of the most stunning peaks in Yosemite, Cathedral is blessed with some great moderate climbing. The approach takes about an hour and is long far enough from the road and hiking trails to give you a little peace (often to be shared with many climbers - start early or get a permit and camp at the base).

The summit is a small block big enough for a couple people to squeeze on. Their might be bolts on the top, but usually not. Downclimbing off the summit block can be scary, but John Muir did it in 1869, so you can too.

It's a great big lightning rod - get off ASAP if thunder comes your way. Other than descending, escaping up and right is the usually possible until you get to talus.

Getting There 

From the Cathedral Lakes trailhead, take the main trail for 10 minutes. Soon after a set of stone steps look, look for a major climbers trail branching left (see photo). Do not get suckered into an earlier, smaller path that follows the stream. Keep on the trail until it fades away near the base Cathedral Peak. Pick the easiest path to the lowest point of the southeast buttress.

The Classics

Featured Route For Cathedral Peak

Southeast Buttress 5.6  CA : Yosemite National Park : ... : Cathedral Peak

You can really climb all over the southest buttress. You get the most climbing if you start at it's lowest point, in the middle. Many people start up and to the right a little, which loses some vertical, and the first pitch over there isn't so good.However you start, after 3 pitches, steadily increasing from 5.3 to 5.6, you'll probably be funneled into a chimney. It can get crowded here, and a backpack can be a real pain. Climb around to the ...[more]   Browse More Classics in CA

Photos of Cathedral Peak Slideshow

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Morning light on Cathedral Peak.	Cathedral Peak	BETA PHOTO: Turn left off the main Cathedral Lakes trail here ...
The notch between Eichorn Pinnacle and the summit.	Megan on the Cathedral Peak summit, looking down a...	Wandering on Cathedral Peak. Photo by Blitzo.
Below the chimney pitch, sorting out gear.	Steve on the summit of Cathedral Peak with Tuolumn...	BETA PHOTO: A view of Cathedral Peak (note the climber on the ...
Cathedral Peak (R) and Eichorn's Pinnacle (L). Vi...	several parties on the SE buttress	The graceful slab of Cathedral's SE buttress.
Alberto ascends the 5.6 chimney in his Euro shorts...	The Awsome Veiw from Cathedral peak	Cathedral, May 2009
view from the top of Cathedral Peak July, 2009	Cathedral Peak. Miramontes Photography	Cathedral, viewed from the Dana Plateau