Cathedral Gorge State Park is a true hidden gem located in eastern Nevada, about a 2.5-hour drive north of Las Vegas. The park, as we quickly found out, is renowned for its short but beautiful slot canyons, cathedral-like spires, desert landscapes, and cliffs sculpted by erosion. If you’re a hiker, nature lover, or photographer, then this is one Nevada state park that deserves to be on your must-visit list.
The park is small, coming in at about 2,000 acres. That means if you’re on the clock, you can see all the best sights in the park in a half day or less.
The closest town, Pioche, is a convenient spot to spend the night if camping isn’t your thing. Otherwise, book a campsite and enjoy one of Nevada’s darkest, star-filled night skies. Wake up with the birds to enjoy the cool morning air and soft early light. Spend part of the day hiking the trails, exploring the park’s unique slot canyons, spotting wildlife, and savoring the solitude that Cathedral Gorge State Park offers. This geologically fascinating destination far exceeded my expectations.
How to get to Cathedral Gorge State Park
Cathedral Gorge State Park is located 165 miles north of Las Vegas, close to the Utah border. From Cedar City, it’s only an hour and 20 minutes away and from St. George, Utah, it’s less than 100 miles away.
There are two entrances to Cathedral Gorge State Park off Highway 93, that are 2.1 miles apart. The northern entrance is via Miller Point Road and the southern entrance is via Cathedral Gorge State Park Road.
From Pioche, where we had spent the night, it’s a 13-minute drive to the Miller Point Road entrance to Cathedral Gorge State Park via Highway 93.
From Las Vegas, it’s a 2.5-hour drive north via I-15 and Highway 93. You could visit the park on a day trip from Las Vegas since you don’t need more than about three hours, unless you’re an avid hiker or you want to camp and enjoy a dark sky experience.
At the northern entrance there is a sitting area under a shelter with a gorgeous view down into the gorge, washrooms and easy access to the Miller Point Trail. The southern entrance provides access to the campground and the Moon, Canyon and Cathedral Caves/Slot Canyons.
Location map of Cathedral Gorge State Park
What to know before your visit
Hours: Open 24/7 year-round.
Fees: $5 or $10 for a non-Nevada vehicle.
Visitor Centre: Open daily from 9 AM – 4:30 PM. Closed on holidays during the winter.
Dogs: Permitted on a leash. Be sure to carry lots of water for them.
Drones: Not permitted.
Watch out for: Spikey plants and cacti. Desert vegetation does a great job at protecting itself.
Don’t forget: Pack the hiking essentials even though the hikes are short. Be sure to bring a lunch, snacks and water.
Animals to look for in the park: Black-tailed jack rabbits, cottontail rabbits, skunks, coyotes, kit foxes, packrats, gophers, kangaroo rats, and mice.
Birds in the park: Ravens, kestrels, roadrunners, sapsuckers, back-throated sparrows, robins, finches, blackbirds, and starlings. During migration look for tanagers, warblers, hummingbirds, and cedar waxwings.
Best time to visit Cathedral Gorge State Park
Spring and fall are ideal times to visit Cathedral Gorge State Park, especially if you plan to hike. The summer is too hot unless you’re hiking at dawn with highs around 95F and lows around 55F. Thunderstorms are common. The winter is an option too. It’s especially beautiful if there’s been a recent dusting of snow.
We found that mid-September temperatures were uncomfortably hot by noon and the lighting was harsh. Ideally, plan to visit first thing in the morning or late in the afternoon. The lighting and temperatures early in the evening would also be fantastic.
Cathedral Gorge State Park is also worth visiting on inky black nights if you’re into stargazing. In fact, there’s a Cathedral Gorge Star Party every spring organized by the Las Vegas Astronomical Society.
Top things to do in Cathedral Gorge State Park
1. Explore the Slot Canyons
I had no idea before we arrived in the park that there were slot canyons. While they are short – and nothing like the slot canyon I hiked for the better part of six hours in Utah, they are so much fun to visit. Kids and adults will both love wondering around the Cathedral, Canyon and Moon Caves – which are really deep narrow canyons.
2. Hike the trails
There are several worthwhile trails to hike in Cathedral Gorge State Park – and none are longer than the 4-mile Juniper Draw Trail. The Miller Point Trail that connects the campground to an overlook is the most dramatic – offering sweeping views of the gorge formations and the desert. If you have extra time add on the Hawks Ridge Trail accessed from the Juniper Gorge Trail.
3. Visit the Miller Point Overlook
John and I met a couple of Australian women at the Miller Point Overlook. We got to chatting and they told us that they were thrilled with the vista from the gazebo but saw no reason to descend the stairs and explore any more. If you fit into that category – and you just want a 15-minute stop in the park, then this is where you need to go. If at all possible, time your visit for sunrise or sunset.
4. Camp under the stars
Judging by the fact that in mid-September we saw only one van in the campground, I think I can safely say that this is a quiet park to visit as a camper. As a bonus, there isn’t much light pollution, so it’s a great place to see the Milky Way on a clear night.
5. Calling all photographers
With fantastic geological formations, slot canyons, and desert, there are great opportunities for both amateur and professional photographers in Cathedral Gorge State Park. If I knew ahead of time what a hidden gem the park is, I would have visited at sunset, the day before. Don’t make my mistake if you’re in the area.
6. Discover the park’s history
Check out the Visitor Centre to understand the geological events that shaped Cathedral Gorge over millions of years. You can also learn about the nomadic Native Americans that used the park 10,000 years ago for seasonal hunting and gathering.
Hiking Trails in Cathedral Gorge State Park
We had time for the two of the best hiking trails in Cathedral Gorge State Park – the Miller Point Trail and the Juniper Draw Trail.
Miller Point Trail
Distance: 0.5 miles one way
Elevation gain/loss: +23 ft/-78 ft
Experience: The Miller Point Trail can be done as an out and back hike, or you can add on the Juniper Draw Trail for a 5.0 mile outing. It is the most memorable of the hikes in the park. From the intersection of the Miller Point and Juniper Draw trails, it’s a short, flat walk to the slot canyons.
We started at the high point on the trail by the gazebo. Descend on metal stairs to reach the dirt trail. There are loads of photographic opportunities through here, so take your time. We simply meandered down the length of the gorge to come out at an open area with signage pointing to the Juniper Draw trail. Fast hikers (though why rush?) could be through here in 10 minutes.
Juniper Draw Trail
Distance: 4.0 mile loop + 1.0 mile return on the Miller Point Trail if you started at the Miller Point Overlook.
Elevation gain/loss: Approximately 30 feet but even that might be pushing it!
Trailheads: You can access the trail from the Cathedral Gorge campground, the parking lot for the Cathedral Cave Slot Canyon or via the Miller Point Trail.
Experience: Over 1.25 – 2 hours, hike the Juniper Draw loop in any direction though it would be smart to avoid walking into the sun. We hiked in a counter-clockwise direction – and found the trail to be easy to follow except for a short section through the campground where we just used common sense to complete the loop. The trail also passes through the caves area parking lot and along part of the short Nature Trail.
Most of the time you’re hiking along a sandy wash in full sun, save for a few short side trails where you can investigate the cathedral spires at close quarters. At one point a freshwater lake covered the area, but today it’s a sunbaked basin dotted with desert plants.
After crossing the valley floor near the upper reaches of the gorge, hike towards the campground, passing the turnoff to the Hawk’s Ridge Trail. Continue to the slot canyons – and allow enough time to explore them.
The Hawk’s Ridge trail is accessed from the Juniper Draw Trail – not too far from the campground
Camping and amenities in the park
There are 22 campsites and electric hookups are available. In the group area, there are two handicapped-accessible campsites. Water and restrooms with flush toilets and showers are available. You’ll also find picnic tables, grills, and large shade ramadas.
Make reservations from 3 days to 11 months in advance on reservenevada.com. Inventory opens at 8 AM.
You’ll also find day-use picnic areas with large shade ramadas.
Tips for visiting Cathedral Gorge State Park
To make the most of your visit to Cathedral Gorge State Park, come prepared with sturdy footwear for navigating its slot canyons and sandy trails. There are snakes around and spiny plants, so you want to protect your feet from that.
Pack lots of water, especially during the warmer months, as the desert heat can be intense and there are limited shaded areas.
Sunscreen, a sun hat, and sunglasses are essential. I’d also suggest wearing light-colored clothing.
Be mindful of weather conditions. You won’t be able to visit the slot canyons if there is torrential rain. Plan your visit in the early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photography and cooler temperatures for hiking.
Conclusion
Cathedral Gorge State Park is worth the drive. It’s so unlike most parks you visit – and the fact that it isn’t busy is a bonus. Any interest in visiting now – or if you’ve been is there anything you’d like to add?
Nearby attractions
Cathedral Gorge State Park is in a great location for exploring more destinations in eastern Nevada. Echo Canyon State Park, 30 minutes to the east, offers a 65-acre reservoir that’s ideal for fishing, kayaking, and picnicking.
History enthusiasts will want to visit the nearby town of Pioche. Called “Nevada’s liveliest ghost town,” it offers a glimpse into Nevada’s mining past, complete with historic buildings like the Thompson Opera House built in 1873.
Kershaw-Ryan State Park, just 25 minutes south of Cathedral Gorge State Park, is situated in a colourful canyon with walls towering up to 700 feet high.
If you’re up for a longer adventure, head to Great Basin National Park, home to the Lehman Caves, ancient bristlecone pine forests and Wheeler Peak – the second highest in Nevada.
Visiting Nevada? More suggestions of great things to do
How to Hike Wheeler Peak – Nevada’s 2nd Highest Summit
A Hiker’s Paradise – Lamoille, Liberty and Favre Lakes
Nevada Road Trip for Outdoor Lovers: Salt Lake to Las Vegas
Visiting the Hoover Dam From Las Vegas
Combine with a trip to Utah and try some of these activities
Coyote Buttes South – A Great Alternative to The Wave
Moqui Caverns – Kanab Sand Caves Hike
Wire Pass to Buckskin Gulch Hike
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