Cathedral Gorge State Park

Cathedral Gorge State Park is a state park in southeastern Nevada where eroded clay and limestone have carved narrow canyons with steep vertical walls. The landscape features spires and passages that rise over 100 feet, creating a distinctive terrain.

Governor James Scrugham designated this land for preservation in 1924, making it one of Nevada's earliest protected areas. The park received its official status in 1935, establishing permanent protection for the geological formations.

Indigenous peoples including the Fremont, Anasazi, and Southern Paiute once used these rock formations as shelter and gathered food in this region. Walking through the canyons today, you can sense the long history of people living among these stone walls.

The park maintains campsites equipped with picnic tables, grills, and shade structures throughout the grounds, plus electrical hookups for those bringing vehicles. The visitor center provides detailed maps to help you navigate the different canyon trails.

The park gets its name from bentonite clay formations that naturally resemble cathedral spires, sculpted entirely by wind and water erosion. These narrow slot-like passages between the spires create a cathedral-like feeling as you walk through them.

Location: Nevada

Inception: 1935

Website: http://parks.nv.gov/parks/cathedral-gorge

GPS coordinates: 37.81941,-114.41388

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:53