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; these state parks to visit in Nevada are a definite must-do for everyone at least once.
During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.
1. Valley of Fire State Park, Overton
Valley of Fire State Park, 29450 Valley of Fire Hwy, Overton, NV 89040, USA
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. Read more about this amazing place in this article.
2. Kershaw-Ryan State Park, Caliente
Kershaw-Ryan State Park, 300 Kershaw Canyon Road, Caliente, NV 89008, USA
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. Get all the details about this underrated wonder in this article.
3. Beaver Dam State Park, Caliente
Beaver Dam State Park, Beaver Dam Rd, Caliente, NV 89008, USA
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! Read all about Beaver Dam SP in this article!
4. Cathedral Gorge State Park, Panaca
Cathedral Gorge State Park, 111 Cathedral Gorge State Park Road, Panaca, NV 89042, USA
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. It's amazing year-round, but in winter, it takes on a special kind of awesomeness!
5. Echo Canyon State Park, Pioche
Echo Canyon State Park, State Routes 322, Pioche, NV 89043, USA
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. Learn more about this park in this delightful article.
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. Check this article out for more info.
7. Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park, Ely
Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park, Ely, NV 89315, USA
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. This is a great one for history buffs and nature lovers alike.
8. Cave Lake State Park, Ely
Cave Lake State Park, US Highway 93-Success Summit, Ely, NV 89301, USA
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. Read more in this article.
BONUS: Great Basin National Park, Baker
National Forest Development Road 448, NF-448, Nevada 89311, USA
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. The lake alone is worth the visit.
Have you checked out any of these awesome state parks to visit in Nevada? 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; we love hearing from you.
Address: Echo Canyon State Park, State Routes 322, Pioche, NV 89043, USA
Address: Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park, Ely, NV 89315, USA
Address: National Forest Development Road 448, NF-448, Nevada 89311, USA
Address: Valley of Fire State Park, 29450 Valley of Fire Hwy, Overton, NV 89040, USA
Address: Cathedral Gorge State Park, 111 Cathedral Gorge State Park Road, Panaca, NV 89042, USA
Address: Kershaw-Ryan State Park, 300 Kershaw Canyon Road, Caliente, NV 89008, USA
Address: Spring Valley State Park, Pioche, NV 89043, USA
Address: Beaver Dam State Park, Beaver Dam Rd, Caliente, NV 89008, USA
Address: Cave Lake State Park, US Highway 93-Success Summit, Ely, NV 89301, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
State Parks to Visit in Nevada
February 07, 2022
Tori Jane
What are some of the best hiking trails in Nevada?
Nevada is an amazing state, and it just so happens to be home to more than 900 incredible trails spanning hundreds of miles all over. There certainly seems to be something here for everyone, especially in some of our amazing state and National Parks. Some of the most popular hiking trails in Nevada, according to our friends at AllTrails.com, are the amazing Calico Tanks Trail, a 2.2-mile trek through incredible sandstone formations within the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Tucked within the Mount Charleston Wilderness is the 3.9-mile scenic Mary Jane Falls Trail (which is open seasonally, April to December). Then, there’s Monkey Rock Trail, which can be found in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, and while you’re in the area, Hunter Creek Trail is a must-do. Like we said – with more than 900 options and ideas, the possibilities might as well be endless!
What are the best state parks in Nevada?
Nevada is home to numerous state parks and recreation sites – 27, to be exact. That being said, it’s almost impossible to decide on which ones are the “best” ones, since different folks look for different things in their parks that make them great to each individual. However, some of the most popular, well-known state parks in Nevada include Cathedral Gorge State Park, which is famous for its interesting geological formations and colors. Then, there’s the world-famous Lake Mead National Recreation Area, which is one of the most popular destinations in the state for locals and tourists alike. Death Valley National Park is another highly popular option, though we recommend not visiting during summer for obvious reasons, and Lake Tahoe – Nevada State Park is an amazing place to cool off and appreciate the natural splendor of our beautiful state. For more ideas and options, check out this list of seven of the best lesser-known state parks in Nevada.
Address: Echo Canyon State Park, State Routes 322, Pioche, NV 89043, USA
Address: Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park, Ely, NV 89315, USA
Address: National Forest Development Road 448, NF-448, Nevada 89311, USA
Address: Valley of Fire State Park, 29450 Valley of Fire Hwy, Overton, NV 89040, USA
Address: Cathedral Gorge State Park, 111 Cathedral Gorge State Park Road, Panaca, NV 89042, USA
Address: Kershaw-Ryan State Park, 300 Kershaw Canyon Road, Caliente, NV 89008, USA
Address: Spring Valley State Park, Pioche, NV 89043, USA
Address: Beaver Dam State Park, Beaver Dam Rd, Caliente, NV 89008, USA
Address: Cave Lake State Park, US Highway 93-Success Summit, Ely, NV 89301, USA
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