The area around Tuolumne Meadows is a climbers'
paradise full of polished domes, needle-like summits and alpine peaks.
And probably the most beautiful and striking peak in that area is
Cathedral Peak (some say it is the most beautiful peak in Yosemite,
possibly in the entire Sierra Nevada range). The peak is made up of two
spires sculpted by ancient glaciers; the western one is called Eichorn
Pinnacle. John Muir made the first ascent of Cathedral Peak in 1869 and
since then many climbers have followed in his footsteps. The peak has an
elevation of 10911 feet (3326 m). The most popular climbing route on
Cathedral Peak is the Southeast Buttress route, with a maximum difficulty
of class 5.6, however, there is an easier class 4 route which ascends
its northwest side, nicknamed "Mountaineer's Route".
