As you may or may not know, there are many great hikes in Las Vegas.
Thanks to a recommendation from an awesome front desk attendant during a recent stay at Palazzo Las Vegas, I “discovered” my new personal favorite Vegas hike, the Cathedral Rock Trail.
Hiking The Cathedral Rock Trail [And The Secret Waterfall] (Spring Mountains NRA, Las Vegas, NV)
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About The Cathedral Rock Trail
FHOP Tip: This trail is closed in the winter. Check the trail closures at the Cathedral Rock Trail page on the Spring Mountain NRA website.
The Cathedral Rock Trail is about as perfect a hike as you can get in the Las Vegas Area. It is challenging but totally doable, the payoff is huge, and there’s even a “secret waterfall”.
The Cathedral Rock Trail starts at the green arrow. The trail itself is marked by the green dots, the spur trail to the “secret waterfall” is marked by the orange dots
Alltrails.com lists this trail as a 2.7 mile out-and-back moderate hike. I’d say the trail will feel a little longer than that, but it’s well shaded and suitable for people of all ages and skill levels and there are plenty of places (sometimes even benches!) to stop and rest.
The whole thing took me about two and a half hours [round-trip], but I went at a very leisurely pace, went to the waterfall, and had lunch at the summit. I’d recommend devoting at least half a day to the entire excursion (including the drive).
It’s a very popular trail, so be prepared to run into significant crowds if you attempt this trail on the weekend.
Getting There And Parking
There are two large parking lots at the trailhead, both have bathrooms. It doesn’t matter which lot you park in, as they are both equidistant to the trailhead.
But you will have to get here early on the weekend, both lots were 100% full when I arrived.
The Information Boards
Info about the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area
Info about the Cathedral Rock Trail
The Trailhead
The trailhead lies on the western side of the parking lot(s). It’s well marked by a large sign (you can’t miss it).
The trailhead signage
Don’t forget to brush your shoes before setting off on the trail
Head right at this sign
Section 1: Trailhead To The Fork
The trail starts off relatively flat among a heavily wooded area filled with white fir trees.
That’s the Echo Cliffs up ahead
The first glimpse of Cathedral Rock, that’s where you are headed!
Around this area is where the trail becomes notably steeper. It’s nothing to worry about, but you may need a breather or two. The good news is that there are benches along the way if you need to stop rest.
This is also the stretch where you’ll notice the Aspen trees start to dominate the forest landscape.
That’s Mummy Mountain in the distance
Finally, you’ll arrive at this bench, marking the major fork in the road.
From here you can either choose to see the “secret waterfall” or continue on to Cathedral Peak.
When you arrive at this point: go left for the waterfall, right for the Cathedral Rock Trail (don’t go up behind this bench)
The Secret Waterfall: Go Left At The Fork
To see the waterfall, you’ll need to go left at the fork (above).
After a very short walk you’ll come upon the waterfall through the trees on the right.
See the waterfall yet?
How about now? When I was here, the waterfall was actually a frozen “ice fall”
The best time to see the waterfall is the early spring. The waterfall will slow to a trickle in the summer, and may even become an ice fall in the winter (see the picture above).
Section 2: From The Fork To The Base Of Cathedral Rock
If you choose to continue onto Cathedral Rock, backtrack to the bench and fork in the road, and go right where you previously went left (but don’t go back down the hill!).
The trail continues this way (right at the fork)
The trail here is a bit rocky with scree, just take your time and watch your footing.
The scree empire: Walking on scree is usually no fun
Before long the trail will flatten out significantly and you’ll start to see some really big trees.
This section is one of the prettiest of the entire hike.
This tree is a monster
Another bench – with a great view!
You’ll come to another fork in the road, marked by this post (below). Stick to the right.
Take the trail down and to right at this post
Section 3: The Base Of Cathedral Rock To The Summit
Finally, you’ve made it to base of Cathedral Rock.
Here, the trail will start to climb again through a series of switchbacks and stairs.
Just keep climbing those stairs, you are almost there!
The Summit – Part I
Finally, you’ve made it to the summit. There are actually a couple lookout points, both of which are worthwhile.
First, you can go a little “off trail” here and head straight up this hill.
When you make it to the top, you’ll be rewarded with these awesome views:
The view east toward Las Vegas
The amazing view south of Echo Cliffs
The Summit – Part II
To reach the second summit, continue on the official trail as it heads to north.
Just around this bend…
Another awesome view east
View of Mummy Mountain and the town of Mt. Charleston below
Up-close shot of the town
The “bleachers” are a great place to grab a seat, eat some lunch, and take in the views
Final Thoughts: Hiking The Cathedral Rock Trail [And The Secret Waterfall] (Spring Mountains NRA, Las Vegas, NV)
This is my new favorite Las Vegas hike! It’s a little challenging, but it’s totally worth it. Just check out that panoramic view (above).
You’d never think such a place exists 40 minutes from the Las Vegas strip – but it does. If you need to get some fresh air, some exercise, family time, or just want to escape a 100+ degree Las Vegas summer day, you can’t really beat the awesomeness of the Cathedral Rock Trail.
Cheers!
