Cathedral Rock Trailhead is located up in the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area (known to locals as Mt. Charleston), about 1 hour northwest of Las Vegas. The trailhead provides hiker access the Cathedral Rock Trail, South Loop Trail, Echo Overlook Trail, Griffith Peak Trail, Echo Trail, and myriad other destinations.

There are two parking lots. Driving on the access road, turn right into the Upper Trailhead Parking Lot, or continue straight into the Lower Trailhead Parking Lot. Note that the Lower Trailhead Parking is farther in and at a higher elevation than is the Upper Trailhead Parking.

The trail starts uphill between the two parking lots, a bit left of an information kiosk and bench. Look for the stone stairs.

Link to trailhead map.

The access road is gated, but the gate always is open during the summer season. It is locked during winter.

Drinking water is available between the flush toilets in the Lower Trailhead Parking Lot. There is another toilet in the Upper Trailhead Parking Lot.

Getting to the Trailhead

From town, drive out to the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area. From the Spring Mountains Visitor Center (Table 1, Site 0726), continue up Kyle Canyon Road for 4.6 miles to Cathedral Rock Access Road (Site 1289). Turn right onto the access road, which is just before the Mt. Charleston Lodge. On the access road, drive southeast about 200 yards to the parking lots.