Cathedral Lake is located south of Aspen in the Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness. It fills a large bowl ringed by Malamute Peak (13,348'), Cathedral Peak (13,943') and Leahy Peak (13,322'). This short but highlight-filled hike follows Pine Creek through aspen forests into the upper valley, where the landscape opens over treeline up to the lake. A strenuous extension leads to Electric Pass, the highest pass accessible by trail in Colorado.

The Elk Range is comprised of basement rock with younger Formations above it, a result of tectonic subduction

Cathedral Lake fills a large cirque bound by Cathedral and Malamute peaks to the west, and a low-walled moraine on the east side

Stratified sedimentary rock of the Permian age distinguishes colorful peaks of the Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness

The Electric Pass Trail splits off and climbs 1,685' in just 2.35 miles to the pass

The Cathedral Lake Trail climbs 1985' in 2.8 miles to the lake

Asters belong to one of the largest taxonomic groups of vascular plants with over 20,000 species

The Elk Range has six peaks over 14,000' and four centennial 13ers (which round out the top 100 highest peaks in the state)

Steep switchbacks on the north wall of the Cathedral Lake valley

Fireweed is one of the first flowering plants to reclaim disturbed land, such as from a fire or avalanche

Due to heavy use and its location above treeline, campfires are not permitted at Cathedral Lake

Paintbrush roots (genus Castilleja) have specialized parts called haustoria, which attach to the roots of other plants and draw away nutrients

Asters' etymology is rooted in the Latin word for 'star'

Elephants Head, a member of the figwort family (which also includes domestic foxglove and snapdragons), grows in damp alpine soils

Scale the south wall of Cathedral Lake for a good look at Electric Pass on the saddle to the north of Cathedral Peak

Sunflowers are in the genus Helianthus, which comprises the Greek word 'Helios' (sun), and 'Anthos' (flower)

The trail cuts across talus slides on the south slope of Leahy Peak before switchbacking steeply to the Electric Pass Trail split