Posted in Nevada
October 11, 2020
You Can Visit 8 Different State Parks While Exploring The Great Basin Highway In Nevada
How many of Nevada’s state parks have you been lucky enough to visit? In total, there are 23 amazing state parks situated all around the Silver State, each of which displays a unique type of natural beauty. Of course, we recommend seeing them all, but you can knock out a big chunk of them at one time with a ride on the Great Basin Highway. Stretching south to north across almost the entirety of our big and beautiful state, you’ll visit eight state parks (plus a national park) when exploring this awesome highway. Take a look at the amazing destinations that await!
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The Great Basin Highway starts off with a bang as drivers head north from Las Vegas on Interstate 15. Your first stop is the breathtaking and popular Valley of Fire State Park where a sea of red sandstone formations awaits you. Be sure to stop at the visitor center to learn about the area's rich geologic and cultural history, and tackle some of the hiking trails if you can! Afterward, you'll head west on the interstate towards the junction with U.S. 93.
The second stop on this state park road trip can be found just outside of Caliente. Kershaw-Ryan State Park boasts a lush landscape inside of the colorful and gorgeous Rainbow Canyon. Home to natural springs, wildflowers, gardens, and plenty of wildlife, this tucked-away park is a true desert oasis.
The next stop is the most remote of the entire trip, but it's so worth finding. You'll venture across several rugged dirt roads to reach Beaver Dam State Park, located near the Nevada-Utah border. Filled with streams and waterfalls, the volcanic landscape is one of the state's best-kept secrets. Fishing along Beaver Dam Creek is great, so be sure to bring your pole!
Once you get back on U.S. 93, you'll continue north towards Panaca to visit the visually stunning Cathedral Gorge State Park. Otherworldly spires, slot canyons, and hoodoos make up one of the most bizarrely beautiful landscapes in all of Nevada. Follow the park's hiking trails to scenic overlooks for the ultimate vantage point of this incredible destination.
The next two parks are separated by just 13 miles near the town of Pioche. You'll hit up Echo Canyon State Park first, a striking park that's filled with stunning geologic formations, a 26-hectare reservoir, and the 4-mile-long Ash Canyon trail that you'll definitely want to explore. The landscape is the perfect blend of rugged and lush natural features.
Further down the road, Spring Valley State Park represents another landscape that's dominated by volcanic features, valleys, and canyon peaks. It's also home to a historic homestead known as the Ranch House that was built sometime in the 19th century.
The next stop is another park that's filled with fascinating local history. Ward Charcoal Oven State Historic Park is named after the strange, conelike structures that were once used as ovens to process silver. After the silver mines dried up, they became convenient hideouts for outlaws on the run. The beehive-style ovens are the highlight of any visit to this park, but the surrounding scenery, wildlife, and nearby Willow Creek also make it ideal or nature lovers.
Next up is the delightfully hidden Cave Lake State Park near Ely. The park's dominant feature is the reservoir that's famous for its fishing. Ice fishing is an especially popular activity during the wintertime. Take on the park's Lake Overlook Trail for a strenuous but rewarding hike around the beautiful Cave Lake.
Finally, you'll end your epic journey on the Great Basin Highway at none other than Great Basin National Park. Home to the state's second-highest mountain, Wheeler Peak, and the world-famous Lehman Caves, Nevada's one and only national park is a true gem. Even after visiting some of the Silver State's most iconic parks, Great Basin never fails to evoke complete awe.
Have you visited any of these awesome state parks? If you want to see a big chunk of our state’s beauty at one time, the Great Basin Highway is a perfect adventure. Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
