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Coordinates: 37°48′10″N 114°24′43″W / 37.80278°N 114.41194°W / 37.80278; -114.41194
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{{Short description|State park in Nevada, United States}}
{{Geobox|Protected area
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2023}}
| name = Cathedral Gorge State Park
{{Infobox park
| category = Nevada State Parks
| name = Cathedral Gorge State Park
| category_iucn =
| image = Cathedral Gorge.jpg
| photo = Eroded columns in Cathedral Gorge State Park (3193580920).jpg
| photo_width = 280
| caption = Cathedral Gorge is a major landmark of Lincoln County, Nevada
| photo_alt = Weathered columns and spires
| country = United States
| photo_caption = Columns and spires eroded into a [[bentonite]] formation
| country_flag = 1
| state = Nevada
| map = Nevada
| map_caption = Location in Nevada
| state_flag = 1
| map_width = 280
| state_type = State
| region =
| relief = 1
| label = Cathedral Gorge State Park
| region_type = County
| location = [[Lincoln County, Nevada]], United States
| city_type =
| nearest_town = [[Panaca, Nevada]]
| city =
| coords = {{coord|37|48|10|N|114|24|43|W|display=inline,title}}
| lat_d =
| coords_ref = <ref name=gnis/>
| lat_m =
| area = {{convert|1792.24|acre|abbr=on}}<ref name=statelands/>
| lat_s =
| elevation = {{convert|4761|ft|m|abbr=on}}<ref name=gnis>{{cite gnis|845123|Cathedral Gorge}}</ref>
| lat_NS =
| long_d =
| established = 1935
| free_label = Named for
| long_m =
| long_s =
| free_data =
| designation = [[List of Nevada state parks|Nevada state park]]
| long_EW =
| administrator = Nevada Division of State Parks
| area = 7.19
| visitation_num = 11,524 vehicles
| established = 1935
| visitation_year = 2017
| map_locator = Nevada
| visitation_ref = <ref>{{Cite web |date=2018 |title=Division of State Parks Performance Audit |url=https://www.leg.state.nv.us/division/audit/Full/BE2018/LA18-22%20Division%20of%20State%20Parks.pdf |website=Nevada Legislature}}</ref>
| map =
| governing_body =
| status =
| website =
| website = {{Official website}}
| embedded =
}}
}}
'''Cathedral Gorge State Park''' is a [[List of Nevada state parks|Nevada State Park]] covering {{convert|1608|acre}}. It is located in Central/Eastern [[Nevada]] {{convert|1|mi|adj=on}} north of the intersection of [[U.S. Route 93 (Nevada)|U.S. Route 93]] and [[Nevada State Route 319|State Route 319]], near [[Panaca, Nevada|Panaca]]. Cathedral Gorge was first established as one of the four original Nevada State Parks in 1935. The park sits at an elevation of {{convert|4800|ft}} above sea level, and is typically arid with semi-hot summers, and very cold winters. In the summer, temperatures usually range from {{convert|95|F}} in mid-day to roughly {{convert|55|F}} at night. Rainfall is variable, and thunderstorms are prevalent. At one time, [[Shakespearean]] plays were performed with the [[clay]] formations in the backdrop. The various naturally formed crevices were used as dressing rooms, and as a backstage where [[actor]]s and [[actress]]es would prepare, awaiting their cue.


'''Cathedral Gorge State Park''' is a public recreation area and geologic preserve featuring a dramatic landscape of eroded soft [[bentonite]] clay covering almost {{convert|1800|acre}} in [[Lincoln County, Nevada|Lincoln County]], [[Nevada]]. The [[state park]] is located along [[U.S. Route 93 in Nevada|U.S. Route 93]] at the west end of [[Nevada State Route 319|State Route 319]], {{convert|2|mi|spell=in}} northwest of the town of [[Panaca, Nevada|Panaca]].<ref name=nsp/>
==Natural history==
{{TOC limit|2}}

==History==
{{stack|[[File:2015-01-15 11 43 37 Old water tower in Cathedral Gorge State Park, Nevada.JPG|thumb|120px|The CCC's water tower]]}}
The site has been popular with local picnickers since the nineteenth century, when it was known as Cathedral Gulch.<ref name=knpr/> During the 1920s, its dramatic landscape provided a background for open-air plays and annual [[Easter]] ceremonies.<ref name=wpa/> Governor [[James Scrugham]] began acquiring and setting aside the area for preservation in 1924. It subsequently became one of the four original Nevada state parks created in 1935. Members of the [[Civilian Conservation Corps]] built picnicking facilities that are still in use as well as a stone water tower and stone restroom which are no longer in operation.<ref name=parkhistory/><ref name="KolvetFord2006"/>

==Natural features==
===Climate===
The park sits at an elevation of {{convert|4800|ft}} above sea level, and is typically arid with semi-hot summers, and very cold winters. In the summer, temperatures range roughly from {{convert|95|F}} in midday to {{convert|55|F}} at night. Rainfall is variable and thunderstorms prevalent.

===Geology===
===Geology===
A majority of [[Meadow Valley Wash|Meadow Valley]] (which lies along U.S. Route 93 from the towns of [[Caliente, Nevada|Caliente]] to [[Panaca, Nevada|Panaca]]) was covered by a freshwater lake nearly 5 million years ago during the [[Pliocene]] Era. The richly colored canyons of Cathedral Gorge (called the [[Panaca Formation]]) are remnants of this ancient lakebed. Over centuries, the lake began to gradually drain. [[Erosion]] began working away at the exposed portions of [[sediment]] and [[gravel]] that once composed the lake bottom. Rainwater and melting snow carved [[rivulet]]s in the soft [[siltstone]] and [[clay]] [[shale]], splitting tiny cracks and fissures into larger and larger gullies and canyons.<ref name=DesertUSA/>
[[Image:CathredralGorgeByPhilKonstantin.jpg|thumb|500px|Large Cathedral Gorge Panorama in the Canyon Caves area]]

[[Image:CathredralGorgeByPhilKonstantin2.jpg|thumb|500px|Large Cathedral Gorge Panorama as seem from Miller's Point]]
{{wide image|CathredralGorgeByPhilKonstantin.jpg|700px|Cathedral Gorge panorama in the Canyon Caves area}}
A majority of [[Meadow Valley Wash|Meadow Valley]] (which lies along U.S. Route 93 from the towns of [[Caliente, Nevada|Caliente]] to [[Panaca, Nevada|Panaca]]) was covered by a freshwater lake nearly 1 million years ago during the [[Pliocene]] Era. The richly colored canyons of Cathedral Gorge (called the [[Panaca Formation]]) are remnants of this ancient lakebed. Over centuries, the lake began to gradually drain. [[Erosion]] began working away at the exposed portions of [[sediment]] and [[gravel]] that once composed the lake bottom. Rainwater and melting snow carved [[rivulet]]s in the soft [[siltstone]] and [[clay]] [[shale]], splitting tiny cracks and fissures into larger and larger gullies and canyons.


===Plants===
===Plants===
In areas below the eroded [[escarpment]] (dubbed the "Badland") it is difficult for plant life to take root in the constantly eroding clay. However, away from the clay, the park's diverse [[soil]] types allow various plant associations to grow. Fragile sand dunes are held firm thanks to a wide array of [[wildflowers]] and [[grasses]], such as [[Dune Primrose]]s and [[Indian Rice Grass]]. Within the valley center, clay, sand, and gravel have melded to form a rich, [[granulated]] soil that encourages the growth of the following species: narrowleaf [[yucca]], [[juniper]] trees, Barberry [[sagebrush]], [[greasewood]], [[white sage]], [[shadscale]], [[Four-winged Saltbush]]. [[Ericameria|Rabbitbrush]] finds sanctuary in disturbed areas, such as roadsides and walkways. Very few species of [[cactus]] can tolerate the climate in Cathedral Gorge, where [[temperature]]s in winter can fall below freezing, and rise above {{convert|100|F}} in summer.
In areas below the eroded [[escarpment]] (dubbed the "Badland") it is difficult for plant life to take root in the constantly eroding clay. However, away from the clay, the park's diverse [[soil]] types allow various plant associations to grow. Fragile sand dunes are held firm thanks to a wide array of [[wildflowers]] and [[grasses]], such as [[Oenothera deltoides|dune primrose]]s and [[Achnatherum hymenoides|Indian ricegrass]]. Within the valley center, clay, sand, and gravel have melded to form a rich, [[granulated]] soil that encourages the growth of the following species: narrowleaf [[yucca]], [[juniper]] trees, barberry [[sagebrush]], [[sarcobatus|greasewood]], [[white sage]], [[shadscale]], [[four-winged saltbush]]. [[Ericameria|Rabbitbrush]] finds sanctuary in disturbed areas, such as roadsides and walkways. Very few species of [[cactus]] can tolerate the climate in Cathedral Gorge, where [[temperature]]s in winter can fall below freezing, and rise above {{convert|100|F}} in summer. Other trees, not native to the park, have been planted around the campground to provide shade.<ref name=DesertUSA/>

Other trees, not native to the park, have been planted around the campground to provide shade.


===Animals===
===Animals===
Small mammals form a majority of the park's animal population: [[black-tailed jackrabbit]]s, [[cottontail rabbit]]s, [[coyote]]s, [[gopher (animal)|gopher]]s, [[kangaroo rat]]s, [[kit fox]]es, [[mouse|mice]], and [[skunk]]s. [[Deer]] can be observed infrequently near Miller Point during the late [[fall]] and winter.
Small mammals form a majority of the park's animal population: [[black-tailed jackrabbit]]s, [[cottontail rabbit]]s, [[coyote]]s, [[gopher (animal)|gopher]]s, [[kangaroo rat]]s, [[kit fox]]es, [[mouse|mice]], and [[skunk]]s. [[Deer]] can be observed infrequently near Miller Point during the late fall and winter. Birds are seen frequently around camp areas and near dense patches of [[shrub]]s. The natives include [[icterid|blackbirds]], [[black-throated sparrow]]s, [[finch]]es, [[American kestrel]]s, small [[hawk]]s, [[raven]]s, [[Greater Roadrunner|roadrunner]]s, [[American robin]]s, [[sapsucker]]s, and introduced [[European starling]]s. Migratory birds include [[bluebird]]s, [[cedar waxwing]]s, [[hummingbird]]s, and [[New World warbler|warbler]]s. Various species of non-[[poisonous]] snakes and lizards are abundant. In the summer, the [[Crotalus lutosus|Great Basin rattlesnake]] may be spotted.<ref name=DesertUSA/>


==Activities and amenities==
[[Image:Greater Roadrunner-JRO.jpg|thumb|200px|'''Greater Roadrunner''']]
Known locally as "caves,"<ref name=natgeographic/> the park's extremely narrow [[slot canyon]]s were cut from the mud that lay at the bottom of the lake millions of years ago. Explorers can crawl through tunnels to discover hidden chambers in the network of canyons which offer some coolness in the summer heat.
[[Birds]] are seen frequently around camp areas, and near dense patches of [[shrub]]s. The natives include, [[icterid|blackbirds]], [[black-throated sparrow]]s, [[finch]]es, [[American kestrel]]s, small [[hawk]]s, [[raven]]s, [[Greater Roadrunner|roadrunner]]s, [[American robin]]s, [[sapsucker]]s, and introduced [[European starling]]s. Migratory birds include, [[bluebird]]s, [[cedar waxwing]]s, [[hummingbird]]s, and [[New World warbler|warbler]]s.


{| class="wikitable" style="width:75%"
Various species of non-[[poisonous]] snakes and lizards are abundant. In the summer, the [[Crotalus oreganus lutosus|Great Basin rattlesnake]] may be spotted.
|+ Park trails
|-
! width="20%" |Trail
! width="25%" |Length<ref name=parkmap/> <br><small>(one-way, unless loop)</small>
! width="*" |Notes
|-
| Bullionville Trail
| {{convert|0.2|mi|km|1}}
| Easy walk from visitor center to Bullionville Cemetery
|-
| Nature Loop
| {{convert|0.5|mi|km|1}}
| Leads from campground to slot canyons in the day-use area, crossing two washes; interprative nature signs
|-
| Juniper Draw Loop
| {{convert|3|mi}}
| Flat, sandy loop following formations around the valley floor
|-
| Miller Point Trail
| {{convert|1|mi}}
| Moderate canyon trail with stairs to Miller Point
|-
| Eagle Point Trail
| {{convert|0.8|mi}}
| Follows a ridge line to a bird’s-eye view of the entire park
|-
| New Ridge-line Trail
| {{convert|4.2|mi}}
| Splits from the Juniper Draw Trail, winds through formations, then follows the ridge-line around the park
|}


Park facilities include a 22-site campground, ADA-accessible sites, group use area, restrooms and showers. A regional visitor center at the park entrance has interpretive displays and information about other parks in the area.<ref name=nsp/>
==See also==
*[[State Route 54 (Nevada)|State Route 54]]


==References==
==References==
{{reflist|30em|refs=
*[http://www.desertusa.com/nvcat/nvcat.html Cathedral Gorge State Park, NV (DesertUSA)]
<ref name=statelands>{{cite web |url=http://lands.nv.gov/uploads/documents/PORTFOLIO_Master_List_LATEST_ONE_-_PUBLIC_POSTING_NRS_331.110A.pdf |title=Inventory of State Lands |publisher=Nevada Division of State Lands |date=April 27, 2018 |accessdate=November 27, 2019}}</ref>

<ref name=nsp>{{cite web |url=http://parks.nv.gov/parks/cathedral-gorge/ |title=Cathedral Gorge State Park |work=Nevada State Parks |publisher=Department of Conservation and Natural Resources |accessdate=December 14, 2016}}</ref>

<ref name=parkmap>{{cite web |url=http://parks.nv.gov/forms/Cathedral_Gorge_Map_3_Nature_Loop_NET_otln_reduced_2014-02-09.pdf |title=Park Map |work=Cathedral Gorge State Park |publisher=Nevada State Parks |accessdate=May 2, 2017}}</ref>

<ref name=parkhistory>{{cite web |url=http://parks.nv.gov/learn/park-histories/cathedral-gorge-history |title=Park History |work=Cathedral Gorge State Park |publisher=Nevada State Parks |accessdate=May 2, 2017}}</ref>

<ref name=DesertUSA>{{cite web |url=http://www.desertusa.com/nvcat/nvcat.html |title=Cathedral Gorge State Park |publisher=DesertUSA |accessdate=May 2, 2017}}</ref>

<ref name=knpr>{{cite web |url=https://knpr.org/knpr/2000-01/cathedral-gorge |title=Cathedral Gorge |work=KNPR Along the Way |publisher=Nevada Public Radio |date=January 19, 2000 |accessdate=December 14, 2016}}</ref>

<ref name="KolvetFord2006">{{cite book |author1=Renee Corona Kolvet |author2=Victoria Ford |title=The Civilian Conservation Corps in Nevada: From Boys to Men |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Jb7TpOojyRMC |accessdate=December 14, 2016 |year=2006 |publisher=University of Nevada Press |isbn=978-0-87417-676-6 |page=28}}</ref>

<ref name=wpa>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=C2TpCAAAQBAJ&pg=PA175 |title=Nevada: A Guide to the Silver State |author=Federal Writers' Project |series=American Guide Series |publisher=Trinity University Press |location=San Antonio, Tex. |year=1940 |page=175 |isbn=9781595342263 |accessdate=January 25, 2018}}</ref>

<ref name=natgeographic>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nF92MKfiuksC&pg=PA354 |title=National Geographic Guide to State Parks of the United States |author=National Geographic Society |edition=4th |year=2011 |page=354 |isbn=978-1426208898 |accessdate=January 25, 2018}}</ref>
}}


==External links==
==External links==
{{commons category|Cathedral Gorge State Park}}
{{commonscat-inline}}
*[http://parks.nv.gov/cg.htm Cathedral Gorge State Park]
*[http://parks.nv.gov/parks/cathedral-gorge/ Cathedral Gorge State Park] Nevada State Parks
*[http://parks.nv.gov/forms/Cathedral_Gorge_Map_3_Nature_Loop_NET_otln_reduced_2014-02-09.pdf Cathedral Gorge State Park Trail Map] Nevada State Parks


{{Nevada state parks}}
{{Nevada state parks}}
{{coord|37|49|20.38|N|114|25|00.38|W|dim:2200_scale:22000_region:US-NV_type:landmark_source:dewiki|display=title}}


{{authority control}}
[[Category:Lincoln County, Nevada]]
[[Category:Nevada state parks]]


[[Category:State parks of Nevada]]
[[de:Cathedral Gorge State Park]]
[[Category:Protected areas of Lincoln County, Nevada]]
[[Category:Protected areas established in 1935]]
[[Category:1935 establishments in Nevada]]
[[Category:Civilian Conservation Corps in Nevada]]

Latest revision as of 00:22, 13 February 2024

Cathedral Gorge State Park
Weathered columns and spires
Columns and spires eroded into a bentonite formation
Cathedral Gorge State Park is located in Nevada
Cathedral Gorge State Park
Cathedral Gorge State Park
Location in Nevada
LocationLincoln County, Nevada, United States
Nearest townPanaca, Nevada
Coordinates37°48′10″N 114°24′43″W / 37.80278°N 114.41194°W / 37.80278; -114.41194[1]
Area1,792.24 acres (725.29 ha)[2]
Elevation4,761 ft (1,451 m)[1]
Established1935
Administered byNevada Division of State Parks
Visitors11,524 vehicles (in 2017)[3]
DesignationNevada state park
WebsiteOfficial website Edit this at Wikidata

Cathedral Gorge State Park is a public recreation area and geologic preserve featuring a dramatic landscape of eroded soft bentonite clay covering almost 1,800 acres (730 ha) in Lincoln County, Nevada. The state park is located along U.S. Route 93 at the west end of State Route 319, two miles (3.2 km) northwest of the town of Panaca.[4]

History

[edit]
The CCC's water tower

The site has been popular with local picnickers since the nineteenth century, when it was known as Cathedral Gulch.[5] During the 1920s, its dramatic landscape provided a background for open-air plays and annual Easter ceremonies.[6] Governor James Scrugham began acquiring and setting aside the area for preservation in 1924. It subsequently became one of the four original Nevada state parks created in 1935. Members of the Civilian Conservation Corps built picnicking facilities that are still in use as well as a stone water tower and stone restroom which are no longer in operation.[7][8]

Natural features

[edit]

Climate

[edit]

The park sits at an elevation of 4,800 feet (1,500 m) above sea level, and is typically arid with semi-hot summers, and very cold winters. In the summer, temperatures range roughly from 95 °F (35 °C) in midday to 55 °F (13 °C) at night. Rainfall is variable and thunderstorms prevalent.

Geology

[edit]

A majority of Meadow Valley (which lies along U.S. Route 93 from the towns of Caliente to Panaca) was covered by a freshwater lake nearly 5 million years ago during the Pliocene Era. The richly colored canyons of Cathedral Gorge (called the Panaca Formation) are remnants of this ancient lakebed. Over centuries, the lake began to gradually drain. Erosion began working away at the exposed portions of sediment and gravel that once composed the lake bottom. Rainwater and melting snow carved rivulets in the soft siltstone and clay shale, splitting tiny cracks and fissures into larger and larger gullies and canyons.[9]

Cathedral Gorge panorama in the Canyon Caves area

Plants

[edit]

In areas below the eroded escarpment (dubbed the "Badland") it is difficult for plant life to take root in the constantly eroding clay. However, away from the clay, the park's diverse soil types allow various plant associations to grow. Fragile sand dunes are held firm thanks to a wide array of wildflowers and grasses, such as dune primroses and Indian ricegrass. Within the valley center, clay, sand, and gravel have melded to form a rich, granulated soil that encourages the growth of the following species: narrowleaf yucca, juniper trees, barberry sagebrush, greasewood, white sage, shadscale, four-winged saltbush. Rabbitbrush finds sanctuary in disturbed areas, such as roadsides and walkways. Very few species of cactus can tolerate the climate in Cathedral Gorge, where temperatures in winter can fall below freezing, and rise above 100 °F (38 °C) in summer. Other trees, not native to the park, have been planted around the campground to provide shade.[9]

Animals

[edit]

Small mammals form a majority of the park's animal population: black-tailed jackrabbits, cottontail rabbits, coyotes, gophers, kangaroo rats, kit foxes, mice, and skunks. Deer can be observed infrequently near Miller Point during the late fall and winter. Birds are seen frequently around camp areas and near dense patches of shrubs. The natives include blackbirds, black-throated sparrows, finches, American kestrels, small hawks, ravens, roadrunners, American robins, sapsuckers, and introduced European starlings. Migratory birds include bluebirds, cedar waxwings, hummingbirds, and warblers. Various species of non-poisonous snakes and lizards are abundant. In the summer, the Great Basin rattlesnake may be spotted.[9]

Activities and amenities

[edit]

Known locally as "caves,"[10] the park's extremely narrow slot canyons were cut from the mud that lay at the bottom of the lake millions of years ago. Explorers can crawl through tunnels to discover hidden chambers in the network of canyons which offer some coolness in the summer heat.

Park trails
Trail Length[11]
(one-way, unless loop) 		Notes
Bullionville Trail 0.2 miles (0.3 km) Easy walk from visitor center to Bullionville Cemetery
Nature Loop 0.5 miles (0.8 km) Leads from campground to slot canyons in the day-use area, crossing two washes; interprative nature signs
Juniper Draw Loop 3 miles (4.8 km) Flat, sandy loop following formations around the valley floor
Miller Point Trail 1 mile (1.6 km) Moderate canyon trail with stairs to Miller Point
Eagle Point Trail 0.8 miles (1.3 km) Follows a ridge line to a bird’s-eye view of the entire park
New Ridge-line Trail 4.2 miles (6.8 km) Splits from the Juniper Draw Trail, winds through formations, then follows the ridge-line around the park

Park facilities include a 22-site campground, ADA-accessible sites, group use area, restrooms and showers. A regional visitor center at the park entrance has interpretive displays and information about other parks in the area.[4]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "Cathedral Gorge". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior.
  2. ^ "Inventory of State Lands" (PDF). Nevada Division of State Lands. April 27, 2018. Retrieved November 27, 2019.
  3. ^ "Division of State Parks Performance Audit" (PDF). Nevada Legislature. 2018.
  4. ^ a b "Cathedral Gorge State Park". Nevada State Parks. Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Retrieved December 14, 2016.
  5. ^ "Cathedral Gorge". KNPR Along the Way. Nevada Public Radio. January 19, 2000. Retrieved December 14, 2016.
  6. ^ Federal Writers' Project (1940). Nevada: A Guide to the Silver State. American Guide Series. San Antonio, Tex.: Trinity University Press. p. 175. ISBN 9781595342263. Retrieved January 25, 2018.
  7. ^ "Park History". Cathedral Gorge State Park. Nevada State Parks. Retrieved May 2, 2017.
  8. ^ Renee Corona Kolvet; Victoria Ford (2006). The Civilian Conservation Corps in Nevada: From Boys to Men. University of Nevada Press. p. 28. ISBN 978-0-87417-676-6. Retrieved December 14, 2016.
  9. ^ a b c "Cathedral Gorge State Park". DesertUSA. Retrieved May 2, 2017.
  10. ^ National Geographic Society (2011). National Geographic Guide to State Parks of the United States (4th ed.). p. 354. ISBN 978-1426208898. Retrieved January 25, 2018.
  11. ^ "Park Map" (PDF). Cathedral Gorge State Park. Nevada State Parks. Retrieved May 2, 2017.
[edit]
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