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.