History:
Kershaw-Ryan State Park is situated in a colorful narrow canyon at the northern end of Rainbow Canyon. Wild grape vines climb up the sheer rock cliffs, and Gambel oaks, cottonwoods and elms provide a shady retreat.
The Samuel Kershaw family homesteaded the canyon in the 1870’s and sold to James Ryan in the early 1900’s. Ryan donated the “Kershaw Garden” as a public park in 1934, and the Civilian Conservation Corps developed a picnic site and a small wading pool that year. Floods in 1984 destroyed much of their work, and the park was closed for more than a decade. Facilities rebuilt in the mid-1990’s include two picnic areas, a restroom and trails.
Picnicking: The Day Use Picnic Area has large shade ramadas and picnic tables.
Location: Kershaw-Ryan State Park is located three miles south of Caliente via US 93 and State Route 317.
Reminders: To make your visit and the visits of others more enjoyable, please observe the following rules:
1. Drive only on designated roadways. Operating un-licensed vehicles is not permitted.
2. Camping is allowed only in designated areas. Saving or reserving campsites is prohibited-even if prepaid.
3. Fires are permitted only in the fire rings and grills provided. Collection of firewood within the park is prohibited.
4. All plants, animals, rocks, minerals and historic artifacts within the park boundaries are protected by state law. Please do not remove, destroy or disturb these features.
5. Pets must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet.
6. Use garbage dumpsters provided. Do not burn or bury garbage.
7. Quiet hours in the park are from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
8. Practice Leave No Trace skills and ethics and Tread Lightly minimum impact camping techniques.
Kershaw-Ryan State Park
P.O. Box 985
Caliente, NV 89008
775-726-3564
krsp@parks.nv.gov
For more information about Kershaw-Ryan State Park,
visit Nevada State Parks and TravelNevada
If you love the history of the Wild West and Pioche, you’ll love the stories written by Karen Wilkes. Every purchase made through the Amazon links provides a small, monetary contribution to the Pioche Chamber of Commerce.
With so much to see and do, Pioche is the perfect destination for explorers, history buffs, and outdoor lovers alike. Start planning your trip today and experience the best of this hidden Nevada gem.
