Cathedral Gorge Dutch Oven Cook-Off

The Cathedral Gorge Dutch Oven Cook-Off brings big flavors and friendly competition to one of Nevada’s most dramatic state parks. Held each spring at Cathedral Gorge State Park near Panaca, this longtime favorite invites cooks, campers, and curious eaters alike to come together among towering clay spires for a day that’s equal parts outdoor adventure and old-school comfort food. Local cooks and teams fire up their cast-iron Dutch ovens to compete across multiple categories, serving everything from hearty main dishes to breads and desserts—slow-cooked, smoke-kissed, and judged by both officials and hungry attendees. Aspiring chefs can register to compete, while attendees are encouraged to sample the goods, cast votes, and cheer on their favorites as the aromas drift through the hoodoos. This cast-iron cook-off brings together hearty flavors, culinary competition, and hungry taste-testers for a spring day of cooking, sampling, and community at Cathedral Gorge State Park. Even if you’re not cooking, the Cook-Off is a feast for the senses. Spectators can wander between cooking stations, taste-test entries as available, and soak up the laid-back, community-first atmosphere that makes this event a local classic. It’s a rare chance to experience Cathedral Gorge as both a scenic destination and a gathering place—where geology, gastronomy, and good company all come together. With hiking trails, picnic areas, and camping nearby, the Dutch Oven Cook-Off pairs perfectly with a full day (or weekend) in a literally gorge-ous setting. Whether you’re competing for bragging rights, voting with your taste buds, or simply enjoying a meal with a view, this event is perfect for those with great taste—in both scenery and cuisine-ery.