Cathedral Gorge State Park sits just 2.5 hours from Las Vegas.
The stunning landscape of almost 1,800 acres was once home to the Fremont, Anasazi, and Southern Paiutes.
And as you might expect from such anotherworldly terrain, it has a dramatic origin story.
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With each explosion, a thick layer of ash was deposited on the Earth, turning intobentonite claywith time.
In 1935, Cathedral Gorge State Park became one of Nevada’s first four state parks.
The former is open to bikers and horseback riders, while leashed dogs are allowed throughout the park.
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Electric hookups are also available.
The park is open year-round but does experience hot summers and cold winters.
In the summer, temperatures range from 95 degrees at midday to 55 degrees at night.
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The relatively high elevation of the park, at 4,800 feet above sea level, results incold winter conditions.
Mariah Tyler/Travel+Leisure
Mariah Tyler/Travel+Leisure