Pioche Nevada & State Parks

Spring Valley State Park

Located in the upper end of the Meadow Valley Wash, this park is named for the numerous natural springs in the area that have irrigated numerous pastures and ranches for centuries.

There is evidence this area has been occupied as early as 5,500 B.C.; but most of the evidence we can see is from the Mormon Pioneers in the 1860’s. There are numerous ranch buildings dotting this area including one that is being used as the park headquarters.

Stone Cabin/Ranch Campground Trail

We begin our tour of the park at the Historical Stone Cabin and Trail Head.

Stone Cabin

Ranch Campground Trail

As we head up the trail we see a post explaining that the stone is volcanic tuff; which is very soft rock that erodes easily and forms the unique shapes we see throughout the trail.

Once we climb the hill behind the cabin and turn the corner we begin to see the expansive views of the valley below as well as some wildflowers and more volcanic tuff formations.

As we round another bend we get our first look at the park headquarters, and a few horses grazing, before turning toward the mountains behind. The trail weaves up and through the mountain before heading back down into the Ranch Campground; which is surrounded by wildflowers. The trail through the mountains has been washed away in several places and even with an offline GPS map, we lose it twice. In one area, we briefly scout in different directions and end up playing Marco-Polo to find our way back to each other through the trees.

The trail is technically an out and back; but we opt to make it a loop and walk down the road back to the Stone Cabin to pick up the truck. Along the way we get some very nice views up and down the valley floor.

Hammond Cabin

After picking up the truck we head back toward the reservoir at the park entrance and pass the Hammond Cabin exhibit along the way. This is one of the 19th century cabins along with several pieces of farming and ranching equipment from the same era.

Eagle Valley Dam & Reservoir

Next stop is the picnic tables at the Eagle Dam and Reservoir for a simple packed lunch. The view as we eat our lunch is incredible and there are several fisherman out enjoying the dock as well as the water.

Echo Canyon State Recreation Area

Featuring a 65 acre man made reservoir, two campgrounds, and hiking trails this park is worth visiting.

Ash Canyon Loop Trail

Unfortunately, we’re only here for the day to do the Ash Canyon Loop trail (counterclockwise) around the reservoir, into the backcountry, up through Echo Canyon, until we finally reach the valley rim to see the view from the top. Ironically we didn’t hear an echo at “Echo Point”; but we definitely heard it when I sneezed a 1/4 mile before.

Dam & Reservoir

Once we descend from the valley rim we walk through the north campground and down to the Echo Canyon Dam & Reservoir.

Pioche, NV

After visiting Echo Canyon State park we head into Pioche for some lunch and to tour the Lincoln County Historical Museum, the Million Dollar Courthouse, and the Thompson’s Opera House.

Lincoln County Historical Museum

This is a small museum with, as it’s name suggests, a lot of historical information about the surrounding area. As we enter, the really nice lady working today informs us that several of the items in the museum are from her family and many of the other families in the area going back hundreds of years. Essentially, it’s an eclectic mix of items that are very well organized, labeled, and lovingly cared for. It’s free to enter and definitely worth the visit.

Million Dollar Courthouse & Jail

Next, we walk down to the Million Dollar Courthouse & Jail.

Pioche suddenly became the county seat of Lincoln County in 1871 prompting city founders to quickly erect a courthouse worthy of this honor. A series of broken construction contracts and refinanced debt led to a massive amount of interest and the “Million Dollar Courthouse” nickname. Ironically, the building was finally paid off in 1938, two years after the building was condemned.

It’s currently open to the public in the summer and is full of antique legal and post office items. The building has severe cracks in it’s foundation, leans significantly, and the floors creak with every step. Instead of being creepy or feeling unsafe, these nuances only added a sense of nostalgia to the experience.

Thompson’s Opera House

Built in 1870 as a meeting place, it was converted to Thompson’s Opera House in 1873 and is one of the few original buildings left in downtown Pioche. It earned a place on National Register of Historic Places in 1984, was renovated in 2009, and it still in use by the community today.

Old buggy

Just down the road from the Opera House is an old buggy on the other side of the street.

This area is not only rich in history; but the landscape and surrounding areas are rich in natural wonders just waiting to be explored.

Next stop… Caliente Nevada and it’s State Parks.