Cathedral Gorge State Park

Hoodoos, spires, short, narrow slot canyons and cave-like formations carved by centuries of erosion out of bentonite clays welcome visitors to this unique, Nevada State Park, designated in 1935.

The buff-colored cliffs are geologically part of the Caliente Caldera Complex. Volcanic activity deposited layer upon layer of ash and pumice millennia ago hundreds of feet deep. After that volcanic activity ceased, Meadow Valley, as it is known today, filled with fresh water creating a lake. Streams fed deposits of this ash and pumice into that lake. As the lake slowly dried up, the erosional activity of rain, wind and ice began to carve out the intricate array of formations in the silts, clays and ash, leaving behind what visitors can view today – a flat valley bottom bordered on either side by carved cliffs of 100 to 200 feet in height and holding all kinds of surprises that will delight the photographer, adults and children alike.
The nearly 2,000 acre park at about 4,800 feet of elevation along US 93 and just two miles north of Panaca was developed by the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC), initiated by F.D. Roosevelt during the Depression. Many of the original stone structures may still be seen including a picturesque stone water tower featured in one of our photos. The Miller Point Overlook with its north south view offers both morning and evening photographic opportunities and a hiking trail from the overlook descends down into the main park. The easily accessible campground has sites with tables, firepits, shade covers and restrooms with flush toilets and clean showers nearby. The cliffs photograph well in early morning or evening light which adds more color. Children will delight in exploring the short slot canyons and caves. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit here and taking photos after a two-night stay in Great Basin National Park and an ascent of Wheeler Peak in 06/2021.