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7/27/2019 Electric Pass Hiking Detail - Hiking Trail Near Aspen, Colorado
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Trail Intro Trail Detail Photo Gallery Topo Map Earth Map
Electric PassElectric PassElectric PassElectric PassDistance: 9.4 miles (round trip)Distance: 9.4 miles (round trip)Distance: 9.4 miles (round trip)Distance: 9.4 miles (round trip)Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness, White River National Forest, nearAspeninCentral Colorado
IntroductionIntroductionIntroductionIntroduction
If you are looking for a
challenge and incredible
panoramic hike the trail
to Electric Pass. This
strenuous hike, gaining
over 3,600-ft. in
4.7-miles, climbs to a
spectacular viewpoint
on a high ridge running
between Cathedral
Peak and Electric Peak.
From the pass awe
inspiring vistas stretch
southwest to the high peaks and ridges surrounding Cathedral Lake and
ringing the end of the Castle Creek Valley. To the northwest a quintet of
14ers, North and South Maroon Peak, Snowmass Mountain, Pyramid Peakand Capital Peak, pierce the skyline amid a sea of ridges and summits.
On the return from the pass be sure to stop a beautiful Cathedral Lake, an
alpine jewel cradled in a dramatic cirque beneath the rugged pinnacles and
crags of Cathedral and Malamute Peaks.
It is essential to get an early start. The aptly names Electric Pass is a
lightening magnet. Hikers should be off the pass and below the saddle
leading to the pass before noon to avoid electric storms that frequently hit
the pass in the early afternoon. The trail is not recommended for anyone with
a fear of heights or hikers uncomfortable on narrow, exposed trails.
Trailhead to the Junction with Electric PassTrailhead to the Junction with Electric PassTrailhead to the Junction with Electric PassTrailhead to the Junction with Electric Pass
Distance from
Trailhead: 2.4
miles (one way)
Ending Elevation:
11,790-ft.
Elevation Gain:
1,910-ft.
The trail toCathedral Lake
and Electric Pass
wastes no time
Hike FactsHike FactsHike FactsHike Facts
Distance: 9.4 miles
(round trip)
Elevation: 9,880-ft. -
13,500-ft.
Elevation Gain: 3,620-ft.
Difficulty: strenuous-
difficult
Basecamp(s): Aspen
Region: Central
Colorado
Trail MapTrail MapTrail MapTrail Map
View: Full Page Map/Google Earth
Map
Photo GalleryPhoto GalleryPhoto GalleryPhoto Gallery
Map data 2013 Google
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views of the upper Castle Creek valley.
Once in the Pine Creek drainage the ascent steepens as the trail climbs
above the northwest side of the Pine Creek through Aspen groves that giveway to spruce-fir forest. Pine creek rushes down the ever deepening gorge
beside the trail.
Meadows and openings in the trees provide views of the rugged ridge
rimming the southeast side of the valley. Be sure to turn around for nice
views across the Castle Creek Valley.
The grade abates as the trail crosses a boulder field created by rock slides
cascading from the steep slopes to the north of the trail. The boulder field
provides the first views of the peaks rising to the southwest.
Past the boulder field the trail traverses a stand of trees and then follows agentle grade as it curves to the northwest above a boggy willow-choked
meadow. The open meadow offers great views of the peaks rising to the
south and above the head of the valley.
Beyond the meadow the trail turns west and climbs through scrub brush and
trees. At 2.1 miles from the trailhead the grade steepens as the path crosses
a large talus field and ascends the basins headwall. The final assault of the
wall is on steep switchbacks through spruce-fir forest.
At the top of the headwall the grade moderates and soon the trail reaches
the junction with the trai l to Electric Pass, heading north (right). (The trail
straight ahead leads to Cathedral Lake.)
Junction to Electric PassJunction to Electric PassJunction to Electric PassJunction to Electric Pass
Distance from
Trailhead: 9.4 miles
(round trip)
Ending Elevation:
13,500-ft.
Elevation Gain:
1,710-ft.
Turn right at the
junction, following the
trail as it climbs a ridge
though fields of willows
and scattered trees to a
second intersection with a trail leading left to Cathedral Lake. Stay right at
the second junction. (The trail to the left can be used on the return trip if you
want to visit lake.)
Beyond the second junction the path begins a steep ascent up a series of
switchbacks that head north through a large basin clad in beautiful meadowssprinkled with wildflowers. As you climb enjoy the ever improving panorama
of summits including Malamute Peak, Cathedral Peak and Castle Peak to the
southwest.
View: Photo Gallery
Elevation ProfileElevation ProfileElevation ProfileElevation Profile
Driving DirectionsDriving DirectionsDriving DirectionsDriving Directions
Driving Directions from Aspen:
Drive 0.5 miles west of Aspen on
Highway 82 to the roundabout. Go
around the roundabout and turn right
onto Castle Creek Road. Drive 12.2
miles and turn right onto a gravel
road marked for the Cathedral Lake
trail. The turn is shortly after passing
the ghost town of Ashcroft. Continue
0.5 miles up the rough gravel road,
passable by passenger cars, to the
trailhead.
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the summit known as Electric Peak (13,635-ft.). Electric Pass is located to
the left (southwest) of Electric Peak on the ridge running between Cathedral
Peak and Electric Peak.
Note the pass is located well above the low point on the ridge and just
135-ft. below Electric Peak. You only need to look at the steep cliffs below
the low point on the ridge to understand the routing of the trail.
Panoramic views from the pass extend northwest toward the Maroon Bells.
On a clear day you can see a quintet of 14ers, North and South Maroon
Peaks, Snowmass Mountain, Pyramid Peak and Capitol Peak. To the south
the peaks and ridges of the Elk Mountain fill the horizon beyond the head of
the Castle Creek Valley.
After soaking in the views carefully return the way you came.
Please note that the trail to Electric Pass is not recommended for anyone
with a fear of heights or hikers uncomfortable on narrow, exposed trails.
Optional Side Trip to Cathedral LakeOptional Side Trip to Cathedral LakeOptional Side Trip to Cathedral LakeOptional Side Trip to Cathedral Lake
Distance from
Trailhead: 1.0 miles
(round trip)
Ending Elevation:
11,866-ft.
Elevation Gain: 125-ft.
A side trip to Cathedral
Lake is strongly
recommended on the
return from Electric
Pass. The side trip adds
about 1.0-mile (RT) to
the hike, making the combined journey a 10.4 mile (RT) hike.
Follow the trail from Electric Pass down to the junction with the trail to
Cathedral Lake. Turn right at the junction and follow the Cathedral Lake trail
as it ascends to the lake, gaining about 125-ft. in 0.5 miles. Cathedral Lake
is an alpine jewel surrounded by jagged granite peaks and crags. Cathedral
Peak towers above the lake to the west and Malamute Peak rises to the
southwest.
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ctric Pass Hiking Detail - hiking trail near Aspen, Colorado http://www.hikingwalking.com/destinations/co/co_cent/aspen/electric_...
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