9 Under-Appreciated State Parks In Nevada You’re Sure To Love
Practically everyone is familiar with state parks in Nevada like Valley of Fire, Cathedral Gorge, Lake Mead, Red Rock Canyon, and Lake Tahoe; however, this great state boasts several other, largely unknown state parks and state recreation areas. Whether they are under-appreciated, unknown, or simply off the beaten path, any or all of these gorgeous, underrated, and fun state parks in Nevada are, truly, worth visiting.
1. Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort State Historic Park, Las Vegas
The fort was built by Mormon missionaries in 1855, and a remnant of it stands today. The park also boasts a visitor center that contains many historic artifacts. Of particular note is that this is the only state park in a U.S. city that houses the first building ever constructed in that city.
Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort State Historic Park, 500 E Washington Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89101, USA
This 1,540-acre state park sits at 7,000 feet above sea level in Nye County. It is known for its undisturbed ichthyosaur fossils and the included ghost town of Berlin. In fact, in 1973, the numerous fossils were designated as a National Natural Landmark. Camping, picnicking, and guided tours of the fossil beds and ghost town, including a guided tour partly into the old Berlin mine, are among the various activities in this state park.
Berlin Ichthyosaur State Park Road, Berlin Ichthyosaur State Park Rd, Nevada 89310, USA
This 120-acre state park contains a 2,830-acre reservoir that was originally constructed in 1937 and later enlarged in 1969. Traditional summer park activities such as fishing, camping, hiking, and picnicking are popular, and in the winter visitors enjoy ice skating on the frozen reservoir, ice fishing, snowmobiling, skiing, and sledding.
Wild Horse Reservoir State Recreation Area, Elko, NV 89801, USA
Located between Reno and Carson City, Washoe Lake State Park sits on over 8,000 acres amid the Sierra Nevada, Virginia, and Carson mountain ranges. The park boasts such activities as camping, boating, swimming, hunting, fishing, hiking, biking, horseback riding, picnicking, water and windsurfing, animal and bird watching, and nature study. In addition to the over 100 bird species seen in the park, a variety of other animals like coyotes and deer are frequently seen. Learn more on the Nevada State Parks website.
Located in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area just 25 minutes from Las Vegas, Spring Mountain Ranch State Park preserves the historic Sandstone Ranch, a working cattle ranch founded in 1876. Today, the park boasts several historical sites such as the main ranch house, cabin, bunkhouse, barn, blacksmith's shop, corral, outhouse, chinchilla shed, and family cemetery. A number of hiking trails such as the Ash Grove and Overlook Interpretive Trails provide breathtaking views. Picnicking, hiking, photography, and nature study are also popular activities at this beautiful park.
Rye Patch State Recreation Area is located on a 22-mile long reservoir with 72 miles of shoreline and 11,000 acres of water surface. Among the popular activities are picnicking, camping, swimming, boating, hiking, and water-skiing; however, this park is an angler's dream with ample catfish, white and black bass, and walleye. There is also abundant wildlife: hawks, eagles, owls, egrets, antelope, deer, and fox are plentiful. It's also an oddly great place for metal detecting.
Kershaw-Ryan State Park provides a stark contrast to the surrounding desert. 700-foot high walls surround a lush valley with natural springs which help nourish wild grapevines, white oaks, numerous fruit trees, and willows. There is also a pond on site that serves as a children's wading pool. Park activities include hiking, picnicking, camping, bird and animal watching, and nature study.
Surrounding Lahontan Reservoir (created in 1902 when Lahontan Dam was constructed courtesy of the Newlands Reclamation Act) and approximately 18 miles west of Fallon, this state park is a wonderful place for boating, water skiing, fishing, and camping. There are also numerous trails, two fully developed picnic areas, and one developed campground for those who don't want to "rough" it with "primitive" camping. The nearby town of Fallon is worth a visit, too.
Nevada is chock-full of state parks, many off the beaten path, yet as beautiful and enjoyable as those more familiar. Now is the time to visit. How many of these awesome state parks have you been to? Please tell us in the comments!
Address: Echo Canyon State Park, State Routes 322, Pioche, NV 89043, USA
Address: Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort State Historic Park, 500 E Washington Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89101, USA
Address: Wild Horse Reservoir State Recreation Area, Elko, NV 89801, USA
Address: Berlin Ichthyosaur State Park Road, Berlin Ichthyosaur State Park Rd, Nevada 89310, USA
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
The OIYS Visitor Center
State Parks to Visit in Nevada
February 16, 2022
Tori Jane
What are some of the best state parks in Nevada?
Nevada is a state famous for one place in particular – the Las Vegas Strip – but there are so many other things about it that deserve more love than they get. For example, part of beautiful Lake Tahoe is right here in Nevada, and our state parks are truly something amazing. Nevada is home to 27 state parks and state-maintained areas, and each of them are truly magical! Some of the best, if you ask us, are the amazing Cathedral Gorge State Park, which is located in Panaca and features 2,000 acres of breathtaking slit canyons and unique geology that even folks not at all interested in rocks will find intriguing. Spring Valley State Park is another amazing one. You can find that one in Pioche (which, fun fact, was once the single most dangerous little town in the state). It was originally settled by Mormon pioneers, and a lot of their buildings and homes are still standing there today. We love Washoe Lake State Park, which is near Carson City and, having been established in 1977, is one of the newer parks ‘round these parts o’ the world. Finally, Valley of Fire State Park is a can’t-miss; it’s the oldest and largest state park in Nevada, and it’s every bit as breathtaking as its name suggests. Crave more ideas? Check out this list of ten of Nevada’s most jaw-dropping state parks.
What are the best hiking trails in Nevada?
With a plethora of amazing state parks comes a plethora of amazing hiking trails, and Nevada has plenty. Plus, as a bonus, obviously not every trail in Nevada is going to be in a state park. As it turns out, there are more than 900 awesome trails weaving all over the Silver State to choose from. Some of the most beloved by locals include the amazing Calico Tanks Trail, which can be found at the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation area, and runs for 2.2 miles. You’ll spot some amazing sandstone formations along the way. Mary Jane Falls Trail might be the most amazing seasonal trail in the entire state; it’s 3.9 challenging miles to an incredible waterfall within the Mt. Charleston Wilderness. You’ll be able to hike that one from April to December. Then, there’s the Gold Strike Hot Springs Trail, which leads to – you guessed it – some of Nevada’s most relaxing hot springs.
Address: Echo Canyon State Park, State Routes 322, Pioche, NV 89043, USA
Address: Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort State Historic Park, 500 E Washington Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89101, USA
Address: Wild Horse Reservoir State Recreation Area, Elko, NV 89801, USA
Address: Berlin Ichthyosaur State Park Road, Berlin Ichthyosaur State Park Rd, Nevada 89310, USA
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
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