Cathedral Gorge State Park Travel Guide - A Hidden Gem in Nevada

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Cathedral Gorge State Park is one of those places where I saw one photo and was immediately sold. Right away I knew we had to visit this special place in Nevada that is still off the beaten path! Cathedral Gorge is about 2.5 hours driving from Las Vegas or a 4.5 hour drive from Death Valley National Park, which is where we were coming from.

You can easily explore Cathedral Gorge State Park in a single day but experiencing a sunset here is something else! In this travel guide I will tell you everything you need to know to make the most out of your visit! After reading you’ll know the top things to do, the best photography spots and how to plan the perfect trip!

Table Of Contents

Practical Information
The best time to visit
Where to stay
Top things to do in Cathedral Gorge State Park
The best photography spots

Practical Information

Opening hours – 24/7

Entrance Fee – $5 ($10 for non Nevada vehicles)

Minimum time needed – 2.5 hours

Campground – 22 sites, first come, first serve

Visitor Center – The visitor center is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. It is located at the park entrance off U.S. 93. The visitor center is closed holidays during the winter.

Quiet Hours – 10pm to 7am

Photography – Flying a drone is not allowed

The best time to visit

The best times to visit Cathedral Gorge State Park are during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). During these seasons, temperatures are mild and comfortable, making outdoor activities like hiking and camping more enjoyable.

In contrast, summer months can be extremely hot, with midday temperatures often reaching the upper 90s or even triple digits (up to 40°C), which can make outdoor activities challenging.

Winter brings colder conditions, with daytime temperatures averaging in the 40s area (4°C) and nights often dropping below freezing, which may not be ideal for all visitors.

💡 TIP – There is little to no shade in the park so make sure to bring sun protection with you!

Where to stay

So you can easily visit Cathedral Gorge State Park in an afternoon but I do recommend staying overnight to enjoy a sunset and sunrise.

The best way to do so is to stay on the Cathedral Gorge Campground, which is first come first serve. But since Cathedral Gorge State Park is still pretty unknown you don’t need to worry too much about finding a spot. The $20 fee/night is paid through putting cash money in the honesty box at the campground entrance. And honestly, that’s peanuts money for spending the night in this incredible place. They even have toilets and showers with warm water!

💡 TIP – The showers do require you to have dollar coins so make sure you have some change on you before arriving if you want to use the shower.

Another plus? All of the hiking trails start from the campground! In the morning we could simply hop out of bed, brush our teeth and go out and enjoy nature.

If camping is not an option the following places to stay are only a short drive away.

Pine Tree Inn – A small bed & breakfast only 2 miles away.
Pioche Family Cabin – A holiday home with 4 bedrooms and only 11 miles from Cathedral Gorge State Park.

Top things to do in Cathedral Gorge State Park

1. Cathedral Caves

The Cathedral Caves are closest to the campsite and this is where you can explore every nook and cranny of them! Despite their name, these “caves” are actually tight, winding passages carved into soft bentonite clay, creating an otherworldly landscape reminiscent of a labyrinth.

The formations are easily accessible via short trails from the park’s main parking area, making them suitable for explorers of all ages. As you wander through these natural corridors, the interplay of light and shadow on the textured walls creates a mesmerizing visual display, especially during sunrise and sunset.

2. Miller Point Trail

This 0.5-mile out-and-back trail begins near the Caves Area parking lot and leads you through narrow slot canyons lined with towering, spire-like cliffs. The path involves some moderate scrambling and ascends via a steel staircase to the Miller Point Overlook, where a gazebo provides shade and panoramic views of the park’s dramatic landscape.

I absolutely loved this trail and thought this was one of the best parts of Cathedral Gorge State Park.

💡 TIP – As of March 17, 2025, the Miller Point Overlook and its access points are closed for safety upgrades, with an expected reopening on June 30, 2025. Before visiting check the Nevada State Parks website for current information before planning their hike.

3. Juniper Draw Loop

This approximately 3.6-mile loop trail is generally considered an easy route, taking about an hour to complete. As you traverse the path, you’ll encounter dramatic eroded siltstone spires and intricate slot canyons that showcase the park’s distinctive landscape.

The trail meanders through sandy washes and open basins dotted with juniper trees, providing both shade and picturesque scenery.

Given the lack of shade along portions of the trail, it’s advisable to embark on this hike during the cooler parts of the day and carry ample water to stay hydrated!

The best photography spots

The Cathedral Caves are where you can get close to the sandstone spires. The best time to photograph them starts about 1 hour before sunset when the sun hits them with its golden light.

You’ll definitely want to use a wide angle lens here to capture as much of the formations as possible!

Another excellent photography location is along the Miller Point Trail. Here you get a bird’s eye perspective over the park.

If you have any questions about how to visit Cathedral Gorge State Park or if you want to share your experience, comment below!

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Cathedral Gorge State Park Travel Guide – A Hidden Gem in Nevada

Practical Information

The best time to visit

Where to stay