Nevada / Clark County / Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest / Spring Mountains National Recreation Area

Cathedral Rock Picnic Area

Closed — Closed for the season as of October 27, 2025. Reopens in 2026 during warm weather season. Operating hours when open are 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. with entrance gates locked outside these hours.

About

Cathedral Rock Picnic Area is located at the top of beautiful Kyle Canyon in the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, just 30 miles from Las Vegas. The picnic area offers 80 individual picnic sites and 2 reservable group sites spread out around the base of towering Cathedral Rock, set among a forest of ponderosa pine, white fir, aspen, mountain mahogany and Gambel oak that provides partial shade and views of the surrounding Spring Mountains. The Spring Mountains National Recreation Area is a beautiful island in the desert, brimming with breathtaking scenery and diverse flora and fauna. Over 100 springs create the namesake for the mountain range, making it the perfect place to escape the heat of the city. The area is home to the Bristlecone pine, the world's oldest organism, and the rare Mount Charleston blue butterfly. While no trails are accessible directly through the picnic area, the Forest Service Trailhead is located on the other end of Cathedral Rock Picnic Area. More than 60 miles of hiking and horseback riding trails crisscross the area. The Spring Mountain Visitor Center is a 15 minute drive down the canyon, offering guided hikes and educational programs. This is a day-use only facility with no overnight camping permitted.

Directions

From Las Vegas, Nevada, take Highway 95 north to junction with Highway 157/Kyle Canyon. Turn left and travel approximately 21 miles to the picnic area at the end of the highway.

Nearby Campgrounds