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All the United States Nevada Panaca Cathedral Gorge
AO Edited

Cathedral Gorge

Narrow slot canyons in a badland eroded into soft sedimentary rock provide an otherworldly landscape in this remote Nevada state park.

Panaca, Nevada

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Looking out a slot canyon.   slgwv / Atlas Obscura User
Off US-93.   slgwv / Atlas Obscura User
Looking out a slot canyon.   slgwv / Atlas Obscura User
Cathedral-like indeed.   slgwv / Atlas Obscura User
Sunlight at the top.   slgwv / Atlas Obscura User
Sunlight at the top.   slgwv / Atlas Obscura User
Slot canyon “cave.”   slgwv / Atlas Obscura User
“Cathedral” is not a misnomer!   slgwv / Atlas Obscura User
Into a slot canyon.   slgwv / Atlas Obscura User
Stairway down from US-93 overlook.   slgwv / Atlas Obscura User
One of the “caves.”   slgwv / Atlas Obscura User
The slot canyons are called “caves”.   slgwv / Atlas Obscura User
Spires by picnic area.   slgwv / Atlas Obscura User
Why “cathedral” is not a misnomer!   slgwv / Atlas Obscura User
Into a slot canyon.   slgwv / Atlas Obscura User
Why “cathedral” is not a misnomer.   slgwv / Atlas Obscura User
Off US-93.   slgwv / Atlas Obscura User
Slot canyons.   slgwv / Atlas Obscura User
Cathedral lighting from the Sun.   slgwv / Atlas Obscura User
Slot canyon “cave.”   slgwv / Atlas Obscura User
“Canyon caves.”   slgwv / Atlas Obscura User
Slot canyon entrance.   slgwv / Atlas Obscura User
Slot canyon entrance partly hidden.   slgwv / Atlas Obscura User
Into a slot canyon.   slgwv / Atlas Obscura User
In a slot canyon.   slgwv / Atlas Obscura User
Cold but gorgeous day!   lritchie1124 / Atlas Obscura User
Stone water tower built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.   slgwv / Atlas Obscura User
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Astonishingly narrow, these deep slot canyons are incised into sedimentary rock, capped with a resistant volcanic layer.

The canyons are so tight that park signs describe them as "caves," which certainly captures their feel. The tall, nearly parallel walls, lit by indirect sunlight and highlighted by parallel streaks of mud left by runoff, also show that the name "Cathedral" was not drawn from a hat. Not only do the "caves" invite exploration, but there are several hiking trails as well.

Some stone structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s still exist and are an interesting sight to behold.       

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Know Before You Go

Cathedral Gorge State Park is right off US-93, on the west side between Caliente and Pioche, and is well-signed. The main entrance is about 165 miles north of Las Vegas, reached by taking I-15 to US-93. An overlook from the rim, with a trailhead going down into the park, is reached by a turnoff about 2.1 miles farther north off US-93.

The park also includes a campground with amenities such as flush toilets, showers, and some campsites with electrical hookups.

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Published

January 26, 2022

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Geology Canyons Nature
Cathedral Gorge
111 Cathedral Gorge State Park Road
Panaca, Nevada, 89042
United States
37.82405, -114.415455
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Nearby Places

Historic Silver Café

Pioche, Nevada

miles away

Panaca Summit Kilns

Panaca, Nevada

miles away

Bristol Well

Pioche, Nevada

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Panaca

Panaca

Nevada

Places 2

Nearby Places

Historic Silver Café

Pioche, Nevada

miles away

Panaca Summit Kilns

Panaca, Nevada

miles away

Bristol Well

Pioche, Nevada

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Panaca

Panaca

Nevada

Places 2

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