Located right along the Great Basin Highway just north of Panaca, Cathedral Gorge State Park is a surreal natural wonder in a remote area of Nevada. Its wacky landscape is well worth the drive no matter what time of year it is, but winter is an unexpectedly great time to visit. You’re especially in for a treat if you happen to visit after fresh snow! Winter at Cathedral Gorge is a spectacular sight and something you definitely shouldn’t pass up. Here’s more on why a visit to this unique state park is one of the best things to do in Nevada in winter.

Boasting slot canyons, caves, and cathedral-like spires, the strange landscape of Cathedral Gorge State Park is a sight to be seen year-round. However, you may find yourself planning a winter visit after you see how it transforms with frost and snow!
Cathedral Gorge State Park/Facebook
Whereas you'd typically be treated to endless views of various shades of red, orange, and yellow, Cathedral Gorge take on an entirely different atmosphere in the wintertime. If snow is in the forecast, it makes for an especially mesmerizing experience!
Cathedral Gorge State Park/Facebook
The park is tucked away in a long, narrow valley right outside of Panaca. The area's unique formations are the result of millions years worth of geological processes, and it's a hypnotizing sight.
Don Barrett/Flickr

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Exploring the park is an activity that nearly anybody can enjoy thanks to the myriad of walking trails. A one-mile trail connects the photo-worthy Miller Point to a picnic area, and a four-mile loop trail takes visitors to more remote regions of the park.
Will Sylwester via Getty Images
If you're up for it, winter camping can be an extremely rewarding experience. The park is home to 22 camp sites, each with a table, grill, and shade ramada. Water and flush restrooms with showers are open to campers year-round. All sites are first come, first served.
Don Barrett/Flickr
Whether you just have a few hours or an entire weekend, your time exploring Cathedral Gorge is bound to be memorable. The park's labyrinth of towering sandstone and canyons makes for the ultimate adventure destination!
Cathedral Gorge State Park/Facebook
If you have the opportunity to see Cathedral Gorge blanketed in fresh white snow, definitely do not pass it up. This blissful winter landscape is something you'll never want to forget. Learn more about the park, its amenities, and current conditions.
Adrian Studer/Moment Open via Getty Images
Of course, Cathedral Gorge is equally as beautiful during the summer. For even more travel inspiration, you can check out the stunning drone footage below:

Have you seen Cathedral Gorge in the wintertime? There’s nothing like a fresh snowy landscape at this unique park. What are some of your favorite things to do in Nevada in winter? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below — we would love to hear from you. And don’t forget to pack your warmest winter jacket before your trip!

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things to do in Nevada in winter

Beth C. | January 12, 2024

What are some fun things to do in Nevada in the winter?

Most people think of Nevada as a warm-weather state, but it's also true that there are endless activities and attractions to enjoy in Nevada during the winter season, including the following:

  • Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens Light Display
  • Magical Forest
  • Fallon Christmas Tree Lighting
  • Nevada Northern Railway holiday train rides
  • Genoa
  • Carson City
  • Henderson
  • Ice skating at the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas
  • Snow tubing near Lake Tahoe
  • Skiing at Diamond Peak Ski Resort
  • Fire and Ice Winter Festival
  • Valley of Fire State Park
  • Lake Tahoe
  • Steamboat Hot Springs
  • Mount Charleston Cabins

 

What are some of your favorite winter activities in Nevada? To learn more about the places and attractions listed above, check out our full article outlining the best things to do in Nevada during the wintertime.

What are some winter-friendly hiking trails in Nevada?

If you're planning to go hiking in Nevada during the winter, check out the following trails:

  • Sawmill Short Loop Trail, Toiyabe National Forest
  • Cathedral Rock, Toiyabe National Forest
  • Marlette Lake Trail, Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park Spooner Backcountry
  • Stateline Fire Lookout, Tahoe National Forest
  • Lower Galena Creek Trail, Galena Creek County Park
  • Ophir Creek Trail, Mount Rose Wilderness
  • Lehman Creek Trail, Great Basin National Park

 

Curious to learn more about these winter-friendly hiking trails? You'll want to check out our full list of some of the best winter hikes in Nevada.

 

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