Cathedral Gorge State Park
Panaca, NV
Eroded bentonite clay formed into spires and slot canyons you can squeeze through. Moon Caves are a short walk from the car park and Miller Point overlook is on US-93; there is a campground with electric hook-ups.
Cathedral Gorge State Park is near Panaca, about a three-hour drive northeast of Las Vegas on US-93. Volcanic eruptions in the region deposited layers of ash hundreds of feet thick. Water, ash and pumice collected in a basin, and once the ancient lake disappeared, wind and rain shaped the deposits. Today bentonite clay walls, spires, hoodoos and narrow canyons define the scene.
You can explore the slot canyons on foot, including a short "Rabbit Hole" tunnel. Miller Point offers elevated views over the canyons, and a 1930s pavilion built by the Civilian Conservation Corps stands there. The campground has 22 sites with electric hookups. The park is accessible around the clock; the visitor center has set hours, which you should check in advance. The stargazing here is also good.
- Nearest town
- Panaca, NV
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 37.8100, -114.4100
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, May and November. Hot in June–September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Pioche RV Park and CampgroundMotorhome stopover9 mi from Cathedral Gorge State ParkMotorhomesElectricity
- Stampede CampgroundCampsite14 mi from Cathedral Gorge State ParkTentsCaravansToiletsFree
- Agua CalienteMotorhome stopover14 mi from Cathedral Gorge State ParkMotorhomes
- Horsethief Gulch CampgroundMotorhome stopover19 mi from Cathedral Gorge State ParkMotorhomes
- Chief Mountain South TrailheadCampsite20 mi from Cathedral Gorge State ParkFree
- Chief Mountain West TrailheadCampsite21 mi from Cathedral Gorge State ParkFree
All campsites in Nevada · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Cathedral Gorge State Park?
Cathedral Gorge State Park is in Panaca, NV, at GPS 37.8100, -114.4100. It is about 9 mi from Pioche.
Can you camp near Cathedral Gorge State Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Cathedral Gorge State Park Campground, about 1 mi away; within 25 mi there are 10 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Cathedral Gorge State Park?
Cathedral Gorge State Park is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Great Basin Highway: canyons, ghost towns and charcoal ovens and Sagebrush, bristlecones and starry skies: by camper along Nevada’s “Loneliest Road”.
What is there to see near Cathedral Gorge State Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Kershaw-Ryan State Park (17 mi), Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge (52 mi), Snow Canyon State Park (59 mi) and Kolob Canyons, Zion National Park (69 mi).
When is the best time to visit Cathedral Gorge State Park?
The most pleasant months are usually April and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, May and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)