Hiking Around Las Vegas, Spring Mountains (Mt. Charleston), Kyle Canyon
 Hikers on the Summit Overlook (view NE) |
Overview The Cathedral Rock Trail is a moderately strenuous, 1.5-mile hike to the top of Cathedral Rock, a rocky promontory with great views overlooking Kyle Canyon. Much of the trail follows an old road up an avalanche chute along the east side of Cathedral Rock to a saddle behind the summit. From there, the trail climbs a few short switchbacks to the summit overlook. Views from the top are spectacular: you can see straight down to the trailhead and the lodge, and you can see off to the other peaks in the area. Presented here are photos of the descent from the summit to the trailhead because it always looks different on the way down. For a detailed description of the route, including directions, maps, GPS coordinates, and photos, see Cathedral Rock Trail. |
 Departing the Summit Overlook (view S) |
 Trail down starts to the right of the picnic table (view SW) |
 Departing the summit area (view SW) |
 Trail wraps around on the west side of Cathedral Rock (view SW) |
 Trail descending across the west side of Cathedral Rock (view S) |
 Trail descending the west side of Cathedral Rock (view NW) |
 Trail descending the west side of Cathedral Rock (view NW) |
 Trail descending steep wooden stairs (view S) |
 Descending onto the south side of Cathedral Rock (view SE) |
 Approaching a switchback (view SE) |
 Grand scenery (view SE from switchback) |
 Don't miss the switchback (view SE) |
 Descending towards the saddle behind Cathedral Rock (view SW) |
 Descending into the saddle behind Cathedral Rock (view SW) |
 Returning past the Upper Little Falls Trail (view S) |
 Starting out around the top of Maize Canyon (view SE) |
 Approaching the fifth bench (view SE) |
 Grand scenery missed on the way up (view E) |
 Returning past the enormous Ponderosa Pine (view S) |
 Echo Rock ahead (view E) |
 Grand scenery missed on the way up (view N) |
 Descending past the seventh switchback (view NW) |
 Descending past the sixth switchback (view NW) |
 Approaching the fourth bench (view SE) |
 Passing the fifth switchback and third bench (view SE) |
 More grand scenery missed on the way up (view N) |
 Descending past the fourth switchback (view SE) |
 Descending a narrow corridor through the trees (view NW) |
 Approaching the second bench (view E) |
 Long views while approaching third switchback (view E) |
 Approaching the base of Cathedral Rock for a last time (view NW) |
 More grand scenery missed on the way up (view N) |
 Descending through the avalanche chute (view N) |
 Turning the second switchback (view E) |
 Approaching the first bench (view E) |
 Approaching the first switchback (view SE) |
 Descending across the bottom of the avalanche chute (view N) |
 Returning to the Echo Trail junction (view NE) |
 Lots of afternoon shade (view E) |
 Approaching the South Loop Trail junction (view E) |
 Cathedral Rock Trail at the South Loop Trail junction (view E) |
 Cathedral Rock Trail turns left at the junction (view N) |
 Vegetation restoration area above the trailhead parking (view N) |
 Trail follows outside of metal fence (view N) |
 Trail eventually turns corner around metal fence (view N) |
 Cathedral Rock Trail approaching the trailhead (view NE) |
 End of the Cathedral Rock Trail (view NE) |
 Returning to Lower Cathedral Rock Trailhead parking (view SE) |
Happy Hiking! All distances, elevations, and other facts are approximate.
; Last updated 240329
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