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 Reporter |
Summary: Wow - talk about a great payoff for minimal effort. Hard to decide which is the best feature of this hike: fairly level, wide gravel trail; lush wildflowers blooming along both sides of the trail in purples, whites, yellows, and reds; sun filtering through the dense aspens with deer moving in the shadows; a 3 tiered waterfall (spring) halfway up and 100 yards off the trail; piped spring with cold water rushing under the turn (right at the fork) to Cathedral Rock itself; or the incredible view from the top of this majestic, multi-hued rock jutting over the little town of Mt. Charleston. Although this is a very short, easy hike; there is a fairly short, steep climb up switchbacks the final 1/4 mile before the peak. Do not take small children, people/dogs afraid of heights or edges out onto the peak. They can stay back on the main trail where it is still lovely and has nice views of Echo cliffs & surrounding peaks. Trail on the L at the fork turns into game paths. Trailhead: I-15 N from Las Vegas to 95 N towards Reno, W on SR 157 (Mt. Charleston - Kyle Canyon) continue past the hotel, past the USFS ranger station, past Echo Road and continue past the hairpin curve to the left. Shortly past the hairpin curve, look for the Echo parking area (stairs and restroom bldg) on the right side of the road. This is a free parking area and if you park here, go up the steps and take the trail to the Left. This is a nice 1/4 mile path that meets and joins the main rock-lined path leading from the Cathedral Rocks picnic area. If you don't mind paying the fee to park, continue past this parking area into the Cathedral Rocks picnic area, park and begin the trail from here. If you do park inside the picnic area ($6), you'll need to return to your vehicle before the park closes for the evening. Parking inside the picnic area actually adds 1/2 mile to this hike distance, but is not as steep as the shorter route from the Echo parking area. (Lat:36.25771 Lon:-115.64932) Trail Guides for Cathedral Rock: Hiking Around Las Vegas by Jim Boone (Jim L. Boone) USFS free trail guide handout for Spring Mtns (pickup at visitor center Kyle Canyon) by Spring Mountains Natl Rec Area (USFS and USFWS) 120 Best Hikes in Southern Nevada and Beyond (CD) by Branch Whitney (Branch Whitney) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: USFS - Humboldt-Toiyabe NF, Spring Mtns NRA (702) 515-5400, emerg (702) 872-5306 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Kat Green, who has posted 86 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 2 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by B on 12/30/2008 Not a difficult hike, even for an out of shape computer nerd like myself. It's a very beautiful hike that can really make you forget you're so close to Vegas. Awesome view at the top.
Reviewed by Steph on 6/29/2008 I've done this hike 5 times now with different groups/friends...never gotten a ticket or even seen one on another vehicle...LOVE THE VIEW FROM THE TOP! 
Reviewed by Sicario on 5/24/2008 Returned from the hike to find a parking ticket on my car which was legally parked in a marked space. Won't return. Real asshole park ranger said I must have been outside the restricted parking area, but was not. 
Reviewed by Jen on 12/23/2007 This is the first mountain hike I've ever taken. Being from the Midwest, we don't get many high peaks. This was great. It was snowy and a bit slippery, but the view was worth it. I'd like to come back in the spring!
Reviewed by RR on 12/17/2007 I'm pregnant and hiking Cathedral Trail at my own pace, of course, makes for great exercise and some refreshing "me" time. The landscape is absolutely beautiful and makes for wonderful mini getaway from the city.
Reviewed by Richard on 10/20/2007 I and my niece did this hike 10/1/2007. We had a great time. The aspens were bright gold under a cloudless blue sky with cool temps and the chipmunks were there to greet us at the top. Absolutely beautiful hike at this time of year.
Reviewed by Maggie on 10/8/2007 My husband and I are not serious hikers, but we spent a wonderful morning and early afternoon hiking up Cathedral Rock. The view was fantastic. Parking is minimal so you must get there early. I will plan on going again in the future!!
Reviewed by Alfred on 9/19/2007 "This is the real stuff", I said to myself as I got a better view of what surrounded me. Quaking aspen are a favorite of mine - especially in the Autumn. Now if only the PARKING PROBLEM were solved. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Nevada Hiking, Nevada Trails, Nevada Hikes, Clark County Hiking, Clark County Trails, Clark County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||