Kershaw–Ryan State Park Explained

Kershaw–Ryan State Park
Photo Width:280
Photo Alt:Canyon landscape
Map:Nevada
Map Width:280
Relief:1
Label:Kershaw–Ryan State Park
Location:Lincoln County, Nevada, United States
Nearest City:Caliente, Nevada
Coords:37.5894°N -114.5203°W
Area:264.74acres
Elevation:4515feet
Established:1935
Free Label:Named for
Designation:Nevada state park
Administrator:Nevada Division of State Parks
Visitation Num:3,539 vehicles
Visitation Year:2017
Visitation Ref:[1]

Kershaw–Ryan State Park is a public recreation area on Nevada State Route 317, 2miles south of the town of Caliente, Nevada. The state park covers at the northern end of Rainbow Canyon in an area that was homesteaded in 1873.

History

The canyon was settled in 1873 by Samuel and Hannah Kershaw, who operated a ranch called the Meadow Valley Wash Ranch. In 1904, they sold the property to rancher James Ryan, who donated the land to the state in 1926 to be a public park. The Civilian Conservation Corps developed visitor amenities in 1934, and Kershaw–Ryan State Park was officially established as one of Nevada's first four state parks the following year. A flash flood in 1984 destroyed most of the park's facilities, including the stone caretaker's cabin built by the CCC. After rebuilding and redesign, the park reopened in 1997. The trail system was expanded by 3.28 miles by the Great Basin Institute between August 2018 and late 2019.

Activities and amenities

The park offers camping, picnicking, and a group-use area. Hikers can explore the 1.5miles Canyon Overlook Trail and shorter Rattlesnake Loop.

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: 2018 . Division of State Parks Performance Audit . Nevada Legislature.