Quick Facts:
Location: Cathedral Gorge State Park – Panaca, Nevada
Coordinates: 37.81991247532031, -114.40941636967624
Length: .2 Miles
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: None
Dog Friendly: Yes
Introduction:
If you’ve ever wanted to step onto another planet without leaving Earth, the Moon Caves in Cathedral Gorge State Park are the place to do it. These narrow, twisting slot canyons look like something straight out of a sci-fi movie, with towering clay walls, hidden passageways, and eerie, shadow-filled corridors. The best part is you don’t need any special gear, just a sense of adventure.
Getting to Moon Caves:
Cathedral Gorge State Park is in southeastern Nevada, just outside the small town of Panaca. If you’re coming from Las Vegas, it’s about a three-hour drive north on US-93. Once inside the park, the caves are easy to find. Head toward the main picnic and day-use area, where you’ll find signs directing you to the Moon Caves and other slot canyons. There is a $5 fee for Nevada vehicles and a $10 for non-Nevada vehicles to enter Cathedral Gorge.
Parking Information:
There’s a parking area near the picnic sites, just a short walk from the caves. It rarely fills up, but on weekends, you might have to share the lot with other hikers and photographers eager to explore the park’s stunning formations. There are restrooms and picnic tables nearby, but no water stations, so bring plenty of water with you.
What to Expect in the Moon Caves:
The Moon Caves aren’t actual caves, they’re deep, narrow slot canyons formed by erosion over thousands of years. Unlike sandstone slot canyons in Utah, these formations are made of soft clay, giving them a smoother, more sculpted look. The canyons twist and turn unpredictably, creating dark, maze-like tunnels that are fun to explore.
Some passageways are so tight you’ll need to squeeze through sideways, while others open up into small chambers with skylights where sunlight filters in beautifully. The clay walls are cool to the touch, making the caves a great escape from the desert heat. The silence inside is almost eerie, broken only by the sound of your footsteps echoing off the walls.
It’s easy to lose your sense of direction in the maze of corridors, but don’t worry, these caves aren’t deep enough to truly get lost. Just take your time, enjoy the adventure, and bring a flashlight if you want to explore the darker sections.
Trail Difficulty and Length:
There’s no official “trail” in the Moon Caves, just a series of connected slots that you can wander through freely. Most visitors spend about 30 minutes to an hour exploring, depending on how deep they go into the canyons. There’s no significant elevation gain, but the footing can be uneven, and you’ll need to duck or crawl in some sections. It’s an easy to moderate adventure, but be prepared to get a little dusty.
Dog-Friendly?
Yes! Unlike many desert trails, Moon Caves is dog-friendly. Just make sure your pup is on a leash, and bring extra water for them, there’s no natural water source along the way, and the desert heat can be tough on dogs.
Park Rules and Regulations:
Stick to designated areas and don’t climb on the fragile clay walls. The formations in Cathedral Gorge are incredibly delicate, and even a little pressure can cause damage. Pack out all trash, and avoid visiting after heavy rain, the clay canyons become slippery and dangerous when wet.
Other Hikes Nearby:
If you love exploring narrow spaces, don’t miss the Cathedral Caves, another network of slot canyons just a short walk from the Moon Caves. For a longer adventure, hike the Juniper Draw Loop, a 3 mile trail that takes you through some of the most scenic parts of the park. If you’re looking for a quick viewpoint, the Miller Point Overlook offers panoramic views of the gorge.
Non-Hiking Attractions Nearby:
Beyond Cathedral Gorge, there’s plenty more to explore in the area. Check out Kershaw-Ryan State Park, a hidden oasis with natural springs and lush greenery. Visit Echo Canyon State Park for fishing and camping, or take a drive to Pioche, an old mining town with a Wild West history and an infamous cemetery known as Boot Hill.
Best Time to Visit:
Summer here is brutally hot, and the clay formations reflect heat, making it feel even warmer. The best time to visit is from fall to spring (October to April), when temperatures are mild. Sunrise and sunset are especially beautiful, casting golden light into the slot canyons. If you visit in the afternoon, the cooler air inside the caves makes for a nice break from the sun.
