Walk and Roll with the Wander Women: CATHEDRAL GORGE STATE PARK, NV

Annette and Shug Eagle point lookout

Cathedral Gorge State Park, once home to the Fremont and Southern Paiutes, became one of Nevada's first four state parks in 1935.

Volcanoes, earthquakes, and water erosion created a landscape of spires and canyons in the buff-colored cliffs. Today, erosion continues to sculpt the tufa rock creating new canyon crevices and towers.

Home

Surrounded by these beautiful formations, the small campground sits in the middle of the gorge amongst covered picnic tables and trees that make a shady retreat. Although the campground is small, we find several large pull-through sites to choose from. #1 at the edge of the campground looks good and we park and start our set-up routine. Meanwhile, Shug stares out across the sage brush focusing on the big blacktail jack rabbits bounding about.

Annette in the ant farm

After a quick 20-minute set-up, with Shug napping in the trailer, Annette and I head out to explore the slot canyons and caves cut deep into the tufa cliffs. The narrow maze of crevices make us feel like ants scurrying through tunnels in one of those ant farms from our childhood. We squeeze through narrow crevices that open into larger chambers, grooved top to bottom by the dripping mud. Looking at the ribbon of sky high above our heads keeps us from getting claustrophobic. On our way back to camp we pass an old stone water tower and ristra-covered picnic area built by the Civilian Conservation Corps back in the 30's. Those CCC guys did beautiful work.

Annette and Shug Juniper Loop Trail

While at Cathedral Gorge, we check out all the trails--a canyon hike to Miller Point lookouts, a fun mountain bike ridgeline trail with views stretching across the green fields of Panaca's agricultural area, and a walking loop around the canyon floor to see all the rock formations. When we need fresh food Annette and I jump on our road bikes and catch the three mile bike path at the visitor center through the small town of Panaca and stop at the little market to load our bike bags with groceries before heading back to camp. It's so much fun to be able to resupply via bicycle. We both agree that the world needs more bike paths.