Cathedral Cave Trail Hike

Cathedral Cave Trail Hike

1 Day

The Cathedral Cave Trail is one of Golden Gate Highlands National Park’s most captivating hidden gems. This guided trail takes hikers through the breathtaking grasslands and rugged sandstone terrain, leading to the impressive Cathedral Cave—a massive sandstone overhang forming a natural amphitheater. The trail offers more than scenic views, as it immerses hikers in the unique geography, flora, and even birdlife that make Golden Gate so extraordinary.

Trail Overview and Booking Information

This trail requires advance booking and a minimum of five participants. Reservations can be made at the Information Centre by phone at 058 255 1000. For 2024, the trail fee is R182 per person, with payment ensuring a guided experience through this iconic landscape. As it’s a popular activity, bookings should be made at least two days in advance to secure a spot.

The Cathedral Cave Trail is generally open from December through October, though closures occur during the southern bald ibis breeding season, which varies year to year. For example, the trail was closed from May to October 2024, though updates from the park in September 2024 suggested it may open sometime in October, pending final decisions by park officials. Visitors are encouraged to call ahead to confirm the trail’s availability for their planned visit.

The Cathedral Cave Trail Experience

This 3 km trail (6 km round trip) starts near the park’s stables, leading hikers through moderately easy terrain, with an elevation gain of about 100 meters. As hikers approach Cathedral Cave, they’ll witness a landscape of sandstone cliffs and cascading water that creates a surreal natural setting. The roof of the cave shows signs of natural erosion, adding to its grandeur. Waterfalls descend into a series of pools—a smaller, lower pool and an upper pool—making it a great spot to take a refreshing dip, so don’t forget your swimsuit!

For the adventurous, there’s a chain ladder that leads from the lower pool to the upper pool. However, the climb can be slippery, so caution is advised. Wooden ladders provide an alternative path, offering a high vantage point and bridge from which you can enjoy sweeping views of the upper pool. As of April 2024, these ladders were undergoing maintenance and deemed unsafe for use, so it’s recommended to check their status before your visit.

Cathedral Cave Trail Hike

Wildlife and Scenic Wonders

One of the highlights of the Cathedral Cave Trail is its importance as a breeding site for the southern bald ibis. The trail is closed during breeding season to protect this endangered bird species, allowing it to nest without disturbance. Besides birdlife, the trail offers remarkable opportunities to spot local vegetation and appreciate the geology of Golden Gate’s sandstone cliffs, whose golden glow at sunset is a signature feature of the park.

Key Information for Cathedral Cave Hike

All you need to know to take on the Cathedral Cave Hike

 

    • Distance: 3 km each way (6 km round trip)

    • Difficulty: Easy to moderate

    • Duration: Approximately 4 hours

    • Fee: R182 per person (as of 2024)

    • Booking: Required; minimum 5 people

    • Availability: Generally open December to October, but may vary due to bird breeding seasons and maintenance updates

For those seeking an unforgettable adventure in Golden Gate Highlands National Park, the Cathedral Cave Trail offers an engaging mix of natural beauty, historical significance, and the thrill of exploration. Secure your spot, prepare for a day of hiking, and get ready to experience one of the Free State’s most stunning natural attractions.

Cathedral Cave Clarens

Cathedral Cave Trail Hike Overview and Booking Information

The Cathedral Cave Trail is one of Golden Gate Highlands National Park’s most captivating hidden gems. This guided trail takes hikers through the breathtaking grasslands and rugged sandstone terrain, leading to the impressive Cathedral Cave—a massive sandstone overhang forming a natural amphitheater. The trail offers more than scenic views, as it immerses hikers in the unique geography, flora, and even birdlife that make Golden Gate so extraordinary.

Trail Overview and Booking Information

This trail requires advance booking and a minimum of five participants. Reservations can be made at the Information Centre by phone at 058 255 1000. For 2024, the trail fee is R182 per person, with payment ensuring a guided experience through this iconic landscape. As it’s a popular activity, bookings should be made at least two days in advance to secure a spot.

The Cathedral Cave Trail is generally open from December through October, though closures occur during the southern bald ibis breeding season, which varies year to year. For example, the trail was closed from May to October 2024, though updates from the park in September 2024 suggested it may open sometime in October, pending final decisions by park officials. Visitors are encouraged to call ahead to confirm the trail’s availability for their planned visit.

The Cathedral Cave Trail Experience

This 3 km trail (6 km round trip) starts near the park’s stables, leading hikers through moderately easy terrain, with an elevation gain of about 100 meters. As hikers approach Cathedral Cave, they’ll witness a landscape of sandstone cliffs and cascading water that creates a surreal natural setting. The roof of the cave shows signs of natural erosion, adding to its grandeur. Waterfalls descend into a series of pools—a smaller, lower pool and an upper pool—making it a great spot to take a refreshing dip, so don’t forget your swimsuit!

For the adventurous, there’s a chain ladder that leads from the lower pool to the upper pool. However, the climb can be slippery, so caution is advised. Wooden ladders provide an alternative path, offering a high vantage point and bridge from which you can enjoy sweeping views of the upper pool. As of April 2024, these ladders were undergoing maintenance and deemed unsafe for use, so it’s recommended to check their status before your visit.

Cathedral Cave Trail Hike

Wildlife and Scenic Wonders

One of the highlights of the Cathedral Cave Trail is its importance as a breeding site for the southern bald ibis. The trail is closed during breeding season to protect this endangered bird species, allowing it to nest without disturbance. Besides birdlife, the trail offers remarkable opportunities to spot local vegetation and appreciate the geology of Golden Gate’s sandstone cliffs, whose golden glow at sunset is a signature feature of the park.

Key Information for Cathedral Cave Hike

All you need to know to take on the Cathedral Cave Hike

 

    • Distance: 3 km each way (6 km round trip)

    • Difficulty: Easy to moderate

    • Duration: Approximately 4 hours

    • Fee: R182 per person (as of 2024)

    • Booking: Required; minimum 5 people

    • Availability: Generally open December to October, but may vary due to bird breeding seasons and maintenance updates

For those seeking an unforgettable adventure in Golden Gate Highlands National Park, the Cathedral Cave Trail offers an engaging mix of natural beauty, historical significance, and the thrill of exploration. Secure your spot, prepare for a day of hiking, and get ready to experience one of the Free State’s most stunning natural attractions.

Cathedral Cave Clarens

Key Information for Cathedral Cave Hike

  • Distance: 3 km each way (6 km round trip)
  • Difficulty: Easy to moderate
  • Duration: Approximately 4 hours
  • Fee: R182 per person (as of 2024)
  • Booking: Required; minimum 5 people
  • Availability: Generally open December to October, but may vary due to bird breeding seasons and maintenance updates

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Cathedral Cave Trail Hike

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