Cathedral Rock Picnic Area

Summary

At Cathedral Rock Group Picnic Area, visitors can enjoy a day filled with outdoor activities such as hiking, horseback riding, and scenic driving amidst the stunning desert oasis. The area boasts two group sites with picnic tables, grills, and parking areas, and offers views of the Spring Mountains. Nearby attractions include miles of hiking/horseback trails, rock climbing, and picnicking.

Overview

Cathedral Rock Group Picnic Area is located at the top of beautiful Kyle Canyon in the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, just 30 miles from Las Vegas. Visitors enjoy hiking, horseback riding and scenic driving in this forested desert oasis.

Recreation

No trails can be accessed through the Picnic Area at the present time. Trails may be found at the Forest Service Trailhead on the other end of Cathedral Rock Picnic Area. The new Spring Mountain Visitor Center is a 15 minute drive down the canyon, with guided hikes and educational programs.

Facilities

The picnic area is for day-use only. Two group sites are available, both with large picnic tables, serving tables, grills and cement site pads. Parking areas are paved. Vault toilets, drinking water, trash collection are provided.

Natural Features

The Spring Mountains National Recreation Area is a beautiful island in the desert, brimming with breathtaking scenery and diverse flora and fauna. The Bristlecone pine, the world's oldest organism, and the rare Mount Charleston blue butterfly are both found within the Spring Mountains.

Over 100 springs create the namesake for the mountain range, creating the perfect place to escape the heat of the city.

The picnic area is set among a forest of ponderosa pine, white fir, aspen, mountain mahogany and Gambel oak, which provides partial shade. The area affords views of the surrounding Spring Mountains.

Nearby Attractions

More than 60 miles of hiking and horseback riding trails crisscross the area; two trails allow mountain biking. Rock climbing, picnicking and scenic driving are popular activities.