Rating: ★★★★☆(4/5) - Worth a Trip
A perfect halfway point on the drive between Las Vegas and Great Basin National Park, Cathedral Gorge State Park features intricately-eroded badlands reminiscent of gothic churches. Although it is highway adjacent, you can still enjoy the stark lonliness of the desolate Great Basin while wandering through the park. Witness the power of erosion by hiking the miles of trails or by exploring "caves" and slot canyons in the Cathedral Caves area. Camping is available year-round at one developed campground with 22 sites, water, flush toilets, showers, and electric hookups.
For an easy introduction to the park, start with the Nature Loop between the campground and Cathedral Caves. If you desire views of the badlands canyons, head to either Miller Point (you can drive here if you can't do stairs), or to the slightly more remote Eagle Point. The longest trail in the park is the Juniper Draw Loop, which at 3 miles and a gradual slope does not present much of a challenge for a seasoned hiker.
