Lincoln County may be a remote corner of the state, but it is a hidden gem for scenic places and outdoor recreation. Some of Nevada’s oldest state parks are found in Lincoln County, including Cathedral Gorge State Park. Officially designated in 1935, Cathedral Gorge draws about 100,000 visitors to the small farming community of Panaca each year.
What makes Cathedral Gorge so special are the spires, slot canyons, hoodoos, and other shapes in the soft, buff colored bentonite clay walls. This unique landscape was formed by millions of years of volcanoes, earthquakes, water, and erosion. Today the gorge makes for a scenic backdrop for equestrians thanks to two horse friendly trails.
Juniper Draw Trail
Juniper Draw is an easy three mile loop around the gorge. The trail begins and ends at the day use area, winding along the gorge walls and through washes to give you up close looks at the unique terrain. The single track trail is flat, well marked, and easy to follow. There is nothing technical and it is only mildly rocky in some places. On the trail you may run into hikers and dogs. Dogs must be on a leash in the park though. The end of the loop passes through the campground so you may see people, dogs, tents, RVs, etc. there.
Hawk’s Ridge Trail
Hawk’s Ridge is a newer trail (so new it’s not even on the park’s website) that offers a different perspective of the gorge. It follows a bit of the Juniper Draw Loop but then climbs up the gorge along some switchback trails. At the top, the trail follows along the rim giving you amazing views from above. This single track trail is mildly technical if only for the slight elevation gain (approx. 200 feet), switchbacks, and sharp drop offs at the top.
Unfortunately, Hawk’s Ridge is not yet a full loop. If you don’t mind riding cross country alongside the road, you can make a loop that is about 4 miles. Otherwise the trail out and back is about 6 miles. State Parks officials hope to finish the loop in the future.
Keep your eye open for smaller desert critters like lizards, snakes, rabbits, and kangaroo rats. If you are lucky you may glimpse deer or a coyote.
With no water on the trails and the high temps, the summer months are not ideal to ride Cathedral Gorge. But spring, fall, and winter are a great time to visit. Keep in mind – it can and has snowed in the winter here. It’s also not safe to ride here immediately after a rain.
Getting Here
Where to Park: The day use area has a large parking lot with room for rigs. There is a bathroom, trash, and shaded picnic area. This is a popular park for tourists so be sure to park strategically. Most visitors are in and out fairly quickly.
Trail Maps
