Cathedral Canyon

Trail Name: Cathedral Canyon

Location: South of Pahrump off Old Spanish Trail Highway, Nye County, NV, toward Tecopa

Difficulty: Easy (sightseeing / dispersed camping stop, not a technical trail)

Distance: ~1.5 miles off the highway into the canyon area

Est. Time: 1-2 hours (sightseeing stop)

Overview:

Cathedral Canyon is a desert wash south of Pahrump that was developed decades ago into a private religious and inspirational park, complete with a suspension bridge, a large statue, and poetry and artwork carved into the canyon walls. The original structures have deteriorated significantly over the years due to flooding and vandalism, but the canyon itself remains a scenic, easy-access stop for sightseeing and dispersed camping on BLM land.

What to Know Before You Go:

– The original bridge and statue have deteriorated significantly over the years from flood damage and vandalism; expect ruins, not the restored site you may see in old photos.

– Sandy wash sections can wash out or shift after heavy rain — road conditions may differ from your last visit.

– BLM land — dispersed camping is allowed, but pack out your trash; the site has had ongoing litter issues.

– There’s a nearby shooting range/training area, so don’t be alarmed by gunfire noise.

– This is a sightseeing/dispersed-camping stop, not a rated OHV trail — confirm current turn-off and road conditions before heading out.

Nearby Stops:

Continue south on Old Spanish Trail Highway toward Tecopa, CA for hot springs if you want to extend the trip into a full day.

Photo credit: nvtami.com