Cathedral Rock - Spring Mountains. Las Vegas

Introduction:

What? :

Cathedral Rock Trail in the Spring Mountains offers the perfect hike for Las Vegas locals seeking to escape from the desert heat. The high-altitude hike will take you to the top of a prominent rocky cliff with a spectacular mountain view.

This moderate 3 mile out and back hike with 1,000 ft climb will take you about 2 hours to complete.

The high viewpoint delivers panoramic vistas of the surrounding peaks and the valley floor far below. It’s an ideal spot to witness the lush, contrasting beauty that the Mount Charleston area provides.

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Where? :

Cathedral Rock is situated in the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area; only a 45 minute drive (40 miles) west of the Las Vegas strip.

This is part of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest.

Google Map Link

Drive west on highway 95 and take exit 96 to Kyle Canyon Rd (highway 157) with clear signs to Spring Mountains. Drive up the road, until you will see Spring Mountains Visitor Gateway on your left. You can visit the visitor center and get up to date information on trails and hiking conditions.

Keep driving after the traffic circle where the road starts entering the mountains following Kyle Canyon. Keep driving for 5 miles, the road entering a small community (Mt. Charleston), keep driving then the road is making a sharp left turn, soon after you will see on your right the entrance to Cathedral Rock Trailhead (clearly marked).

There are 2 large parking lots, one straight ahead and the other one you need to turn right.

During the hiking season (late spring - autumn) weekends and holidays the 2 parking lots are getting full early in the morning (about 7-8am), you need to drive back to the main road and look for road side parking.

Park only in places without “do not park” signs and do not block the road.

From the same trailhead parking you can also hike to Griffith Peak Via South Loop or to climb all the way to Mount Charleston Peak.

When? :

The park is open year-round but the recommended time to hike here is in late spring through early fall. The high mountain elevations offer cooler temperatures compared to the surrounding desert heat.

During fall the entire surrounding mountains are covered with amazing fall color aspen trees.

Winter:

All mountains are covered with deep snow and regular hiking is not an option, I assume that you can climb up with proper snow and ice equipment.

In winter it will be more like advanced mountaineering experience.

In any case, check the weather forecast before hiking here.

Check hiking conditions at the visitor center.

Spring through early fall:

You need to check that the trail is snow-free, usually in April.

At 6am it can be around 50-60f at the trailhead but mid day temperatures are hot (80-90f) but this should be the time you are hiking down.

Important note: Summer monsoon storms can bring heavy rain and lightning, make sure you check the weather in advance and do not hike when lightning storms are expected.

This hike follows the exposed ridgeline, you should not attempt this hike if thunderstorms are in the forecast.

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Tips and inputs:

Due note 1:

There are water sources and restrooms at the trailhead.

There is no water source along this route, so make sure to carry sufficient water.

Due note 2:

Bring with you enough water, at least 2 liters per person.

This is not a long hiking day but it will be good to bring with you some light snacks and something to eat, preferably high calories and salty food to balance your electrolytes. You will enjoy it at the high viewing point.

Due note 3:

The trail and the summit are partly exposed to the sun; use a hat and sun protection, and wear sturdy shoes.

Due note 4:

No permits or fees are required for day-trips; the area is maintained by the US Forest Service in the Mt. Charleston Wilderness

Parking is free of charge. Parking is getting filled early in the morning, there are restrooms in the parking lots.

Due note 5:

This trail is very popular among local hikers, especially on weekends and holidays in the summer and fall.

It may be over crowded especially in the small area at the top. This is the reason for a full parking lot even in the relatively early morning.

Arrive early (before 8 AM) to secure parking and avoid the biggest crowds.

Due note 6:

The trail is generally well-marked and easy to follow, but always stick to the established path. Stay on the trail and don't cut the switchbacks, things that damage the trail.

Due note 7:

In winter up to late spring, snow can persist on the trail, ice axes and crampons may be necessary.

Due note 8:

To my understanding dogs are allowed here but they need to be on leash.

My thoughts:

I really like hiking here during the summer months, a great mountain hiking escape from the scorching heat of Las Vegas desert. Need to remember it is a very popular hike and parking getting full already at 8am, come early and escape the crowd.

This is not a long hike but there is a nice climb and the view of the surroundings is amazing.

In my view the best time to visit here is during late fall when the aspen trees change their color to red, orange and yellow.

The Hike:

The Cathedral Rock hike is short (~3 miles roundtrip) but steep (~1,000 ft elevation gain).

From the trailhead (7,600 ft), follow the trail and after a very short hike you will see a turn to the right with clear signs leading to Cathedral Rock, where to the left it is heading to Griffith Peak Via South Loop.

From here the trail heading south into the gorge, leads gradually and constantly uphill. after another trail junction (take right) the path winds through thick patches of aspens and evergreen trees.

As you climb through the switchbacks you will pass a few wooden branches, perfect for resting.

The trail heads up and as you climb the trees change to impressive pine trees and the trail grade becomes steeper.

As the trail reaches the back side of Cathedral Rock it flattens for a short section.

Here you will see a trail junction to the left leading to little fall and you need to hike up.

This is the final climb to the rock summit.

A series of steep switchbacks and short after you will reach the open rock top overviewing the landscape (at elevation of 8,603 ft).

On the far northeast side, there's a place to sit and admire the spectacular panoramic view of Kyle Canyon and the surrounding mountains.

Mt. Charleston Lodge lies 1,000 feet below you, and farther to the east, at the end of the road and the canyon opening you can see the desert floor.

Above you to the north you can see the massive cliffs of Mummy Mountain across the canyon; to the NW is Mary Jane Falls, and to the west is Charleston Peak.

This is the perfect place to enjoy the view, rest and eat your light lunch.

After enjoying the view you need to walk back down the same way you went up.

Final Thoughts:

The Cathedral Rock Trail is a moderate, 3 mile round-trip hike located in the cool, high-elevation Spring Mountains (Mount Charleston) outside of Las Vegas.

Reaching an elevation of approximately 8,600 feet, the trail rewards you with a stunning panoramic view of Kyle Canyon and the surrounding peaks from the rocky summit.

The best time to visit is late fall where you will be enjoying the aspen trees colored covering all the mountain slopes.