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Cathedral Rock
Spring Mountains, Nevada
April 24, 2013
Distance: 7.3 km (4.5 mi)
Cumulative Elevation Gain: 360 m (1181 ft)
Hikers are drawn to the Spring Mountains range not only for its 3,000-metre peaks, but also for its easier hikes such as Cathedral Rock. Although Cathedral Rock rises over 300 m straight up from the floor of Kyle Canyon, it's an undemanding hike to the top due to a trail that gently corkscrews up to the summit. The broad trail replete with switches makes this a popular hike with the tourists.
The usual start at Cathedral Rock picnic area was closed due to construction, so Dinah and I started from Echo Rock picnic area, which added a kilometre each way. Although the summit views are confined to Kyle Canyon – think of what you'd see being only partway up a bowl – they are worth the small effort.
Cathedral Rock seen above Kyle Canyon Road
Hiking up Echo Trail, Cathedral Rock ahead
The north face of Cathedral Rock
After the trail passes under Cathedral Rock, we see Echo Rock ahead
After turning on a switchback, the west face of Cathedral Rock appears
Great Basin fence lizard
The trail passes an icefall (mouse over to zoom in)
The trail leads to the saddle
next to Cathedral Rock
Snow lingers by a set of stone steps
We passed a towering Ponderosa pine
View of the summit
Hiking to the saddle next to Cathedral Rock
The trail switchbacks just below the summit
Almost on the summit. Fletcher Peak on the right.
Mummy Mountain (right) overlooks homes in Kyle Canyon
Charleston Peak (4.5 mi, 8589 ft, 1047 ft)