Cathedral Gorge State Park is a hidden gem in eastern Nevada, offering visitors breathtaking slot canyons, dramatic desert landscapes, and cathedral-like spires sculpted by erosion. Located just 2.5 hours north of Las Vegas, this unique state park is perfect for hiking, photography, camping, and stargazing.
Whether you’re planning a day trip or a weekend getaway, this guide covers everything you need to know before visiting Cathedral Gorge State Park, including the best trails, top attractions, travel tips, and nearby destinations.
📍 Where is Cathedral Gorge State Park?
Cathedral Gorge State Park is located in Lincoln County, Nevada, close to the Utah border. It’s easily accessible from major cities:
- Las Vegas – 165 miles north (~2.5-hour drive) via I-15 and Highway 93.
- Cedar City, Utah – 90 miles (~1 hour 20-minute drive).
- St. George, Utah – 95 miles (~1.5-hour drive).
- Pioche, Nevada – Just 13 minutes away, making it the perfect base for an overnight stay.
The park has two entrances off Highway 93:
✔ Northern Entrance (Miller Point Road) – Offers a stunning overlook, restrooms, and access to the Miller Point Trail.
✔ Southern Entrance (Cathedral Gorge State Park Road) – Leads to the campground and slot canyons (Moon, Canyon, and Cathedral Caves).
⏳ Best Time to Visit Cathedral Gorge State Park
✔ Spring (March–May) – Mild temperatures, perfect for hiking.
✔ Fall (September–November) – Comfortable weather, fewer crowds, and great photography lighting.
✔ Winter (December–February) – Fewer visitors and stunning desert scenery, especially after a light snowfall.
✔ Summer (June–August) – Hot temperatures (95°F+ during the day) but cool mornings and evenings make early hikes enjoyable.
🔭 Bonus: If you love stargazing, visit during a new moon or attend the Cathedral Gorge Star Party hosted by the Las Vegas Astronomical Society.
🎟️ Park Fees, Hours & Visitor Info
✔ Hours – Open 24/7 year-round.
✔ Entrance Fee – $5 per vehicle for Nevada residents, $10 for out-of-state visitors.
✔ Visitor Center – Open daily from 9 AM – 4:30 PM (closed on holidays in winter).
✔ Camping – $15 per night for campsites, with restrooms, showers, and picnic areas available.
✔ Dogs – Allowed on a leash (bring plenty of water for them).
✔ Drones – Not permitted in the park.
🌟 Top Things to Do in Cathedral Gorge State Park
1. Explore the Slot Canyons 🏜️
The slot canyons in Cathedral Gorge are short but mesmerizing, with narrow, winding corridors perfect for exploration. The most famous are:
✔ Cathedral Caves – Easiest to access and great for kids.
✔ Canyon Caves – Offers twisting passageways and dramatic rock formations.
✔ Moon Caves – Features deeper, narrower slot canyons that photographers love.
🔹 Tip: Visit in the morning or late afternoon for the best lighting and cooler temperatures.
2. Hike the Trails ⛰️
The hiking trails in Cathedral Gorge State Park are relatively short and offer stunning desert scenery.
🏞️ Miller Point Trail (0.5 miles one way)
✔ Best scenic overlook of the gorge.
✔ Moderate trail with stairs and dirt paths.
🏜️ Juniper Draw Trail (4-mile loop)
✔ The longest trail in the park (takes 1.5–2 hours).
✔ Walk through desert washes and past cathedral-like rock formations.
3. Visit the Miller Point Overlook 🌅
If you’re short on time, Miller Point Overlook offers the best panoramic view of the park. A quick 15-minute stop lets you admire the stunning landscape without hiking.
4. Camp Under the Stars ✨
✔ 22 campsites with electric hookups, restrooms, showers, and picnic tables.
✔ One of Nevada’s best dark sky parks for stargazing and astrophotography.
✔ Reservations – Book campsites 3 days to 11 months in advance at ReserveNevada.com.
5. Capture Amazing Photos 📸
✔ Visit at sunrise or sunset for the best lighting.
✔ Slot canyons provide dramatic shadows and unique textures.
✔ The rock formations look incredible after rainfall or snowfall.
6. Learn About the Park’s Geology & History
✔ The Visitor Center offers exhibits on the park’s volcanic origins and erosion patterns.
✔ Native American history – The area was used by nomadic tribes for seasonal hunting and gathering over 10,000 years ago.
🥾 Best Hiking Trails in Cathedral Gorge State Park
Miller Point Trail
✔ Distance – 0.5 miles one way.
✔ Elevation gain – 78 feet.
✔ Trailhead – Miller Point Overlook.
✔ Experience – Descend metal stairs into the canyon for breathtaking views.
Juniper Draw Trail
✔ Distance – 4.0-mile loop.
✔ Elevation gain – ~30 feet.
✔ Trailhead – Cathedral Gorge campground or Cathedral Cave slot canyons.
✔ Experience – Easy hike across the desert basin, close-up views of unique rock formations.
🛌 Where to Stay Near Cathedral Gorge State Park
If you’re not camping, Pioche (13 minutes away) is the best option for hotels and motels.
✔ Overland Hotel & Saloon – A historic stay with a classic western feel.
✔ Motherlode Motel – Budget-friendly and close to the park.
🚗 Nearby Attractions
✔ Pioche, Nevada (13 min) – A historic mining town with old saloons and museums.
✔ Echo Canyon State Park (30 min) – Great for fishing, kayaking, and camping.
✔ Kershaw-Ryan State Park (25 min) – Features towering 700-foot canyon walls.
✔ Great Basin National Park (2.5 hours) – Home to Lehman Caves and ancient bristlecone pine forests.
📌 Tips for Visiting Cathedral Gorge State Park
✔ Wear sturdy hiking shoes – Protect your feet from sharp rocks and desert plants.
✔ Bring plenty of water – The desert heat can be intense, especially in summer.
✔ Check the weather – Avoid slot canyons during heavy rain (flash flood risk).
✔ Wear sunscreen & a hat – There’s little shade on the trails.
✔ Plan for early morning or late afternoon hikes – Cooler temperatures and better photography lighting.
⭐ Final Thoughts: Is Cathedral Gorge State Park Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! Cathedral Gorge State Park is one of Nevada’s best-kept secrets, offering stunning slot canyons, unique rock formations, and incredible stargazing opportunities. Whether you’re a hiker, photographer, or road-tripper, this park is a must-visit destination.
Ready for your next Nevada adventure? Pack your bags, grab your camera, and explore the hidden beauty of Cathedral Gorge State Park!
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