Cathedral Gorge Loop

As you drive north up Great Basin Highway, you will pass the teeny town of Panaca before seeing the Cathedral Gorge State Park Visitor's Center on the left side of the road. After you take a left, follow the road down and to the right, pay the park fee and prepared to take in some funky formations that are reminiscent of the set of Land of the Lost. Park at the "Caves" area and walk around through the labyrinth of spires created by millions of years of erosion. Some spaces get pretty tight! There are two trails, a 4-mile loop and a 1-mile loop. Nothing difficult, but the sun is really strong in the summer here so make sure to use sunscreen and pack in LOTS of water, as none is available here. There is a small campground but no shade, so I would not recommend tent camping in the summer. This is an awesome space for professional photographers, as both day and night offer spectacular views. The stars in this region are unreal! After exploring the park, continue driving north on Great Basin Highway for a little under one mile, then turn left into the Miller Point overlook for a "down and in" view of where you just were. Being able to see the maze and mastery that nature created is a humbling experience in this small park that is often overlooked.