Trail Markings/Cathedral Spires Trail

First, I just don't see how anyone could get lost on the Harney Peak trails. They are well marked and easy to follow.

On 13 July we climbed Harney Peak, starting from the Cathedral Spires trailhead. The info at the trailhead specifically states that the Cathedral Spires Trail, which is blazed as trail #4, is .8 miles one way and does not connect to the Harney Peak trail system. When one reaches the Cathedral Spires area there is a sign that says 'End of Trail.' Just past this sign, however, there is an obvious use trail. We just went right by the sign, down a hill, and, after a very short uphill, we were back on an 'official' trail. This trail was also blazed as trail #4 and connected to trail #9, which goes to the summit.

Since it doesn't make much sense to designate two separate trails as trail #4, I can only surmise that the trails were once officially connected. Apparently Park employees are trying to discourage the use of the trail from the Spires over to what is now the 'other' trail #4, as there were stumps and logs placed across the trail. Hikers had merely created a well-used trail around the obstacles.