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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 2 of 2 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by JoeyH on 4/21/2007 Absolutely beautiful views at the top. I just moved out here 2 weeks ago and this is the first hike I've done since being here...worth every step. 
Reviewed by amc on 12/20/2006 I just received a $190 parking ticket when I returned to my vehicle!! What an expensive hike!!
Reviewed by JM-Canada on 11/18/2006 Be cautious of parking outside the picnic area. There are only a few spots and while others will park around that area as well-don't be fooled you will get a $75 parking ticket. Nothing like that to put a damper on a fantastic hike. BE CAUTIOUS OF WHERE YOU PARK!
Reviewed by bg on 8/24/2006 its a nonstop hike up, but the view is worth it. rock laid tral 3/4 of the way. which is good for the young ones. a must see for you and/or the family.
Reviewed by LM and NB on 5/29/2006 Great quick and easy hike. Loved the waterfalls on the way to Cathedral Rock--still some snow and ice left in May! Our hike was extended a few miles as we explored the trail branching AWAY from Cathedral Rock (quite on accident--BEWARE, there are no signs to mark the trail). If you want to reach the correct destination, make sure to make a RIGHT at the piped water. The avalanche area we discovered was very pretty anyway--it took us quite a way up some mountain, though there really was no clear trail.
Reviewed by Wazzu Doogie on 8/1/2005 Did this hike this afternoon, having not read the below review, I was amazed at the avalanche damage and am now doubly amazed that it was not from this last winter, it is very impressive and makes for a unique experience itself! The trail can be slightly hard to find at times and the fork mentioned above is right above the drainage pipe, stay R, cross over that saddle and keep on going. But WOW what a view and a very easy trail, perfect to take non-hiking hikers! I will defintely be coming back. (BTW, I left the top at 7:50, didn't have to turn on the flashlight until 1/4 mi from end of trail, a great sunset viewing point!)
Reviewed by desertdave on 4/15/2004 Just did this hike on April 13, 2004. This is a must do hike. When you get about 1/3 of the way up you will pass through where their has been an avalanche, (What a sight to see). At this time you will have to walk on the snow pack and to find the trail after you lose it for the snow. Head south up the avalanche shoot for about 100 yards. Make a right over the snow wall and you can refind the trail. If you do not run into the trail head NorthWest up the mountain and you can run back into the trail. Just follow it to the top and you are in for a very nice suprise for the view. Also watch for Palmer chipmunks as this is the only place in the world you can find them. (As learned from Branch Whitney's book for Hiking in Nevada). A must do hike. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||