Quick Facts:
Location: Cathedral Gorge State Park – Panaca, Nevada
Coordinates: 37.82299736827012, -114.41331093707976
Length: 3 Miles
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 100’
Dog Friendly: Yes
Introduction:
Cathedral Gorge State Park is one of Nevada’s hidden gems, and the Juniper Draw Loop Trail is the perfect way to explore its surreal landscapes. This hike takes you through sculpted clay formations, narrow slot canyons, and open desert, all while offering some of the most unique scenery in the state. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve stepped onto another planet.
Getting to Juniper Draw Loop Trail:
Cathedral Gorge State Park is located in southeastern Nevada, near the small town of Panaca. If you’re coming from Las Vegas, it’s about a three-hour drive north on US-93. From Panaca, the park entrance is just a few miles away, well-marked and easy to find. Once inside the park, head toward the main visitor area, where you’ll find parking and access to the trailhead. There is a $5 fee for Nevada vehicles and a $10 for non-Nevada vehicles to enter Cathedral Gorge.
Parking Information:
There’s a designated parking area at the trailhead with plenty of space, even on weekends. You’ll find restrooms and picnic tables nearby, making it a great spot to fuel up before or after your hike.
Landscape Description:
Juniper Draw Loop Trail is a stunning journey through Cathedral Gorge’s wild landscapes. The hike begins in an open desert valley, with massive clay spires rising around you. As you move deeper into the loop, the terrain shifts, narrow passageways, towering rock walls, and labyrinth-like slot canyons make you feel like an explorer discovering a lost world.
The clay formations here are shaped by erosion, creating surreal ridges and sculpted cliffs. The colors change throughout the day, shifting from pale beige to deep orange as the sun moves across the sky. Keep an eye out for wildlife, too.
One of the best parts of this trail is the solitude. Cathedral Gorge isn’t as crowded as some of the bigger national parks, so you can often find yourself alone, surrounded by the quiet beauty of the desert. If you love photography, bring your camera, this place is a dream for capturing unique rock textures and dramatic light contrasts.
Trail Difficulty and Length:
Juniper Draw Loop is about 3 miles long with minimal elevation gain, making it an easy hike. The trail is mostly flat but has some sandy and rocky sections. Expect a mix of open stretches and narrow canyon paths, with some minor scrambling in tighter spots. The desert sun can make it feel harder than it looks, so bring plenty of water.
Dog-Friendly?
Yes! Unlike many desert trails, Juniper Draw Loop 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:
As always, follow Leave No Trace principles. Stay on established trails to protect the fragile clay formations, and don’t climb on the spires, these formations are delicate and easily damaged. Pack out all trash, and respect wildlife by keeping a safe distance. There are no water stations on the trail, so bring everything you need.
Other Hikes Nearby:
If you want more adventure after Juniper Draw, explore the park’s famous Cathedral Caves, a network of narrow slot canyons that twist and turn through the clay formations. Another great option is the Miller Point Overlook, a short but steep hike leading to one of the best panoramic views in the park.
Non-Hiking Attractions Nearby:
Cathedral Gorge is just one of several state parks in the area. Nearby, you’ll find Kershaw-Ryan State Park, a lush oasis with a spring-fed stream, and Echo Canyon State Park, known for its reservoir and excellent bird-watching. If you’re into history, visit Pioche, a historic mining town with old saloons, a “million-dollar courthouse,” and an infamous Boot Hill Cemetery.
Best Time to Visit:
Summer here is brutally hot, so the best time to hike Juniper Draw Loop is from fall to spring (October to April). The cooler months offer perfect hiking weather, and the soft lighting at sunrise or sunset makes the rock formations even more stunning. If you visit in spring, you might even see wildflowers dotting the desert floor, adding a splash of color to the landscape.
