On our way to Caliente, Nevada we decided to explore Cathedral Gorge State Park. We bought a day pass which was valid for other state parks within that 24 hour period.
The topography reminded us very much of the Badlands- vegetation free slopes, dark bumpy spots of cryptobiotic soils, and modern day erosion.
The park was created in 1924. We visited the Day Use Picnic Area which was originally built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930’s. The stone water tower, and rest room facilities while still visible (they built them sturdy back then) are not in use.
The backdrop of this picnic area are vegetation free, eroded, narrow “canyons”.
Millions of years ago the area was a freshwater lake. Today, camping, picknicking and hiking is available.
We only had time to visit the Picnic Area, and walk around exploring the strange, otherworldly formations.
Part of the park was closed.
We did stop at the Visitors Center (it was closed.)
