Cathedral Gorge State ParkAbout Cathedral Gorge State Park
Cathedral Gorge State Park is a Nevada state park known for its extensively eroded clay and silt deposits that form narrow gullies, spires and slot-like passages. The landforms create an unusual landscape compared with surrounding desert and sagebrush basins.
Trails and short canyon hikes lead through towering, slot-style gullies and narrow amphitheater-like chambers carved into soft sediment; interpretive signs and picnic areas provide basic visitor infrastructure. The site is used for day hiking, photography and short scenic walks rather than long backcountry trips.
The formations are the result of long-term erosion of fine-grained lake and stream deposits; they were set aside and developed as a state park to protect the unusual geology and provide recreational access. Facilities built near the eroded badlands support visitors year-round.
The park lies in southeastern Nevada near the small community of Panaca, within Lincoln County, and is reached by secondary highways from regional towns in the Great Basin region.
- Distinctive erosion features: Characterized by heavily eroded, clay-rich badlands that form slot-like gullies and spire formations popular for short hikes and photography.
Best Time to Visit Cathedral Gorge State Park
Spring and autumn offer the best balance of comfortable temperatures and accessible trails; summer can be very hot and winter cold.
Weather & Climate near Cathedral Gorge State Park
Cathedral Gorge State Park's climate is classified as Cold Desert - Cold Desert climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -7°C to 34°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -7° - 8° | -3° | 21 mm | - | - | 3.1 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -5° - 11° | 0° | 25 mm | - | - | 3.5 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | -2° - 14° | 3° | 29 mm | - | - | 4.1 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 1° - 19° | 8° | 23 mm | - | - | 4.3 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 5° - 24° | 15° | 18 mm | - | - | 4.3 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 10° - 30° | 20° | 9 mm | - | - | 4.3 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 14° - 34° | 24° | 25 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 13° - 33° | 23° | 27 mm | - | - | 3.8 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 9° - 29° | 19° | 22 mm | - | - | 3.5 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 3° - 23° | 13° | 23 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | -3° - 14° | 3° | 22 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -7° - 9° | -2° | 17 mm | - | - | 3.1 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Cathedral Gorge State Park
Cathedral Gorge State Park is in southeastern Nevada near the town of Panaca, off US-93. From Panaca drive a short distance west on state or local roads; the park is signed and accessible by passenger vehicle.
Tips for Visiting Cathedral Gorge State Park
- Walk the narrow slot canyons early; the light in the amphitheaters is best before noon.
- Wear shoes that can handle soft, eroded clay-the trails cut through siltstone and bentonite that can be slick.
- Avoid visiting after heavy rain: the clay hollows can retain water and become impassable.