My Favorite Park in Nevada Is a Little-Known Paradise for Biking

Nevada’s wild, untouched landscape and canyons are perfect for biking. Little-known state parks in Nevada, like Kershaw-Ryan, are often skipped for popular biking trails. Yes, I know you can’t beat the epic views of Lake Tahoe while riding along Flume Trail, but the canyons and rugged terrain at Kershaw-Ryan make the ride here well worth it. If you’re looking for a great place to bike in Nevada, you'll love the beautiful Kershaw-Ryan State Park near the small town of Caliente.

This underrated outdoor playground in Nevada is about two and a half hours north of Las Vegas and has fewer than 5,000 visitors annually. Anyone who does not know about this underrated biking paradise in Nevada is really missing out! You're going to love this place.

Kershaw-Ryan State Park covers 265 acres at the northern end of the spectacular Rainbow Canyon. It was homesteaded in 1873 by Samuel and Hannah Kershaw. They sold the property to rancher James Ryan in 1904, and he donated the land to the state in 1926. By 1935, the Civilian Conservation Corps had developed the land for recreational use, and it became one of the state's first four state parks that year.

This park is beautiful! It's in a colorful canyon with many unique rock formations, and people come from all over to camp and hike in this pleasant environment. There are also a number of natural springs here, and as a result, the canyon floor is full of greenery, including oaks, fruit trees, willows, and grapevines. Wildlife in the park includes wild horses, deer, birds, snakes, rabbits, and so much more.

There are a few excellent hiking trails in this park, but there are even more mountain bike trails that mountain bikers will love! And, there's something for everyone among them. Among the most popular are the 5.3-mile-long Kershaw Redemption Trail, suitable for beginners, and the shorter, medium-rated, 1.2-mile Eric's Anthill Trail. Kershaw Redemption is a loop trail, so you'll end up back where you started; Eric's Anthill is an out-and-back trail, so you'll have to go back the way you came to get to your car.

There are quite a few other mountain biking trails in this park, though, and they are for all levels of ability. O.G., Canyon Vista, Newcomer, and Overlook Loop are all great for beginners. Intermediate riders might like Rainbow Rim or Short Round. Those riders looking for a real challenge, my recommendation is Skidsteer or Rainbow Rollercoaster. All these trails are sure to impress, and you'll have fun conquering each and every one of them. No matter what your level, you're sure to have plenty of trails to keep you busy all day at Kershaw-Ryan State Park.

This little-known Nevada state park is a gem! This part of Nevada is exceptional in so many ways, and you should plan a trip there soon. Kershaw-Ryan State Park is absolutely beautiful, and there is so much to do — if you're a mountain biker, you'll love it. You can hike, camp, picnic, swim, and more. But definitely come here for the mountain bike trails. Have a great ride!

I think the best time to visit is during the spring and fall months, when the weather is great for spending extra time outside. There is a small entrance fee for the park, and if you come in winter, you will encounter limited use of some facilities.

If you want more time outdoors, I'd suggest visiting one of the state parks in Nevada. Even if you're not a biker, the parks' wide-open landscapes and rugged terrain are great for hiking, camping, horseback riding, and more.