Cathedral Gorge State Park

A rider explores the trails.

The arching cathedral spires of Cathedral Gorge State Park.

A climber scales the gorge's face.

The main attraction at this high desert park in eastern Nevada is the Panaca Formation, spires and pillars carved by centuries of water running over clay in a Pliocene-era lakebed.

The abundant birdlife includes hawks, migratory songbirds and hummingbirds and the fabled roadrunner.

Also of interest are stone structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.

The park offers 24 campsites, including two wheelchair-accesible ones, about six miles of roadways suitable for biking and an additional four miles of easy-to-moderate hiking trails. Climbing on formations is permitted, though the climbing is not considered "technical."

There are also two telescope-viewing platforms available for star-gazers.

The regional visitor center features exhibits on the history and natural resources of eastern Nevada.