Cathedral Rock, Ares Peak, The Citadel & Peggy's Pond — Saturday, Sep. 17, 2022

Blog version (disclaimers)

Quick-and-dirty version

Access: Cathedral Rock Trailhead
Round Trip: 18.3 miles
Elevation Range: 3360′-7120′
Gear: helmet
Dog-Friendly: on Ares Peak

Route

1. Hike Cathedral Rock Trail past the PCT fork and cross below Cathedral Rock.
2. Take the lower trail to Mount Daniel's lower east ridge at the next fork.
3. Follow the defined trail and later cross the ridgeline on a hiker's path to Circle Lake.
4. Go west to 6920' saddle north of The Citadel and down the scree slope to Venus Lake's outlet.
5. Climb Ares Peak and cross the 6920' saddle back to the east and round The Citadel's north ridge to the east.
6. Walk up the scree slope to be back on the peak's north ridge.
7. Climb The Citadel and return to Peggys Pond.
8. Attain the west talus field from the lake and south onto the west ridge.
9. Climb Cathedral Rock and return to Peggys Pond to hike out.

Highlights

• Expansive view of Alpine Lakes Wilderness
• Closeup view of Mount Daniel from all three high points
• Mostly sunshine and solitude

Lowlights

• Bumpy drive up to the trailhead
• Dropping into the lake basins and back out

More Information on this Trip Report

• https://onehikeaweek.com/cathedral-rock/
• https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=16awLku1EwHHfkU6Sisp5iKPmcS2gRsc