Caliente Nevada – State Parks

Kershaw-Ryan State Park

The lands known as “Kershaw Gardens” were donated to the State of Nevada by the Ryan family in 1934 for use as a public park. Dedicated in 1935, Kershaw-Ryan State Park is located a few miles south of Caliente, NV and several sources we found while researching the area call this an “oasis in the desert.” As we drive up the road into the park we very quickly understand why, the canyon walls lining the road lead directly to a trickling stream, bright green trees, and 700ft canyon walls beyond.

Day Use Picnic Area

As we park and walk up the hill into the day use picnic area we see a play area for kids, a spring fed wading pool, and a Stone Monument honoring the Ryan Family.

As we walk further up the path we see stairs leading to the original CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) bathhouse.

Next we head over a bridge across the stream; which is lined with bright green grapevines, oaks, and wild roses. Through the trees, we see the towering canyon walls directly ahead.

Canyon Overlook Loop

As we continue up the path; which begins the Canyon Overlook Loop, we see a grapevine bower on the left of the path, several patches of wildflowers as we progress up the trail, and incredible canyon views as we near the top.

The Drive out

Heading out of the park we see these unique rock formations along the road.

Rainbow Canyon Scenic Drive

Leaving the park we turn south for the Rainbow Canyon Scenic Drive which follows the Union Pacific Railway main line and the Meadow Valley Wash lined by Cottonwood Trees. Along the way we see several railway tunnels, large formations of red rock, other rock formations (including a 3k foot peek), until the drive terminates at the Elgin Schoolhouse Historic Site.

Elgin Schoolhouse State Historic Site

This one-room school operated from 1922 through 1967 and several generations of children were educated here. Unfortunately, the school is closed today and we are only able to see the grounds from outside the locked fence.

Beaver Dam State Park

Beaver Dam State Park is located 33 miles down a dirt road, southwest of Caliente, NV on the Utah boarder. We’re here during the week and the park is so remote that we have the park entirely to ourselves.

Waterfall Trail

For our first hike we choose the Sheep Canyon Waterfall Trail; which has been so washed out recently that the trail is difficult to find. There’s a small waterfall flowing into the wash and to reach the trailhead we have to pick our way across rocks in the Beaver Dam Wash and then climb up the bank on the other side before finding the trail. The trail, once we find it, is well defined and runs along Sheep Canyon; which has a small stream flowing through it and is lined with wildflowers and deep green trees.

Ancient Tree

As we arrive back at the trailhead we see this very large ancient tree. It’s trunk was between 4 to 4.5 feet wide.

Beaver Dam Wash Trail

Next, we hike along Beaver Dam Wash where there’s supposed to be another water/ice fall about a mile up the “trail”. This trail is actually a OHV (Off Highway Vehicle) or off-road trail that follows along the wash, crossing it several times back and forth. Our truck is too wide for the trail, so we opt to leave it in a pullout along the main road and hike up the trail.

In one section, the water is high enough that we have to find rocks and build our own step stone bridge across to the other bank. Unfortunately, we didn’t find the waterfall; but the hike along the wash was enjoyable.

Oak Knoll Trail

Our next stop is the Oak Knoll Overlook trail. According to the park map this is a short trail to an overlook; but when we arrive we see it’s been turned into the new OHV access road to the Beaver Dam Wash trail. We believe this is due to the severe flooding the area has seen over the past few years.

We walk along the road out to the original overlook point and then down the road down to the wash. The views are incredible and well worth the short walk.

Beaver Dam Interpretive Trail

After a picnic lunch, relaxing, and absorbing the pure sounds of nature, we head up the Beaver Dam Interpretive Trail to see views of the park from the top of the hill. Because it’s an interpretive trail, there are signs all the way up the hill telling us about the flora and fauna we’re seeing. I would have loved it if they included signs about the unique geology of the area as well; but no such luck.

The drive to and from the park is very enjoyable passing cattle, crossing railroad tracks, and has many roads/trails off the main road allowing for lots of additional avenues for exploration.

Kershaw-Ryan State Park (revisited)

We enjoyed this park so much we decided to stop here on our way to our next destination. Pulling into the campground we’re reminded why we wanted to come back… The multi-colored, towering rock walls, and tree lined path through the park are a wonder to behold.

We quickly find a spot in the campground, set up, and unload the bikes off the back. Then we head up the bike path toward the city of Caliente to explore and have a nice lunch out. We choose the Side Track restaurant along the railway tracks going through town. The food is delicious and they offer a little bit of everything (including Vegan options). They also have a limoncello cake with mascarpone frosting that is one of the best I’ve ever had.

After lunch we ride a short way through town and then back down the path toward camp. Along the way we stop to take a few pictures of the incredible and very diverse scenery.

After entering the park we ride the bikes past the campground and back up to the day use area we visited earlier. There we see a few families playing in spring fed pool and water fountain as well as on the playground. We chat with a few of them, then finish our ride back to the camper.

Sunset over the campground

Relaxing around camp that evening we see the clifftops surrounding us being highlighted as the sun sets.

Ironically we’ve spent the last 11 nights in the middle of Cathedral Gorge State Park and it’s here, where we’re closer to the road and railway, that we are serenaded by hooting owls and howling coyotes as we fall asleep.

Next stop… Alamo, NV.