Columbia Finger Scramble Near Cathedral Pass

About

Columbia Finger is a slender granite pinnacle on the ridge between Tenaya Peak and Matthes Crest, topping out around 10,367 feet just south of Cathedral Pass. It's one of the easier summits in a neighborhood full of harder, more famous rock — Cathedral Peak, Echo Peaks, and Matthes Crest all draw bigger crowds, which is exactly why Columbia Finger stays quiet. Most hikers walk right past it on the way to those bigger objectives.

Getting There

The standard approach starts at the Cathedral Lakes Trailhead in Tuolumne Meadows, about a mile west of the visitor center. Follow the John Muir Trail roughly 4.5 miles as it climbs toward Cathedral Pass — Columbia Finger comes into view on the south side of the trail near the top of the pass. From there, reaching the base means leaving the trail for cross-country travel over talus and granite slabs.

The Summit Scramble

Difficulty: The summit blocks run class 3 on the west side — a short, hands-on-rock scramble rather than a walk-up. A harder line on the north side (rated 5.6) exists for climbers who want more of a challenge.
Who it's for: Experienced scramblers and peak-baggers comfortable with exposed granite, not a first-timer's outing.
Crowds: One of the least-visited peaks in the area — expect solitude even on a busy Tuolumne weekend.

This isn't a signed or maintained trail past Cathedral Pass, and there's no easy retreat if you get in over your head on the summit blocks. Know your comfort with exposure before committing, and go with someone experienced in class 3 terrain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Columbia Finger a maintained hiking trail?

No. You reach the area via the maintained Cathedral Lakes Trail (John Muir Trail) to Cathedral Pass, then leave the trail for an off-trail scramble to the peak itself.

How hard is the climb to the summit?

The summit blocks run class 3 scrambling on the west side — steep, exposed rock where you'll need to use your hands. It's considered one of the easier peaks in the area, but it's still a scramble, not a hike. A harder 5.6 line exists on the north side for climbers who want more of a challenge.

Where do I start the approach?

At the Cathedral Lakes Trailhead in Tuolumne Meadows, about a mile west of the visitor center, following the John Muir Trail roughly 4.5 miles toward Cathedral Pass.