Kershaw-Ryan State Park
Kershaw-Ryan State Park Overview
Samuel and Hannah Kershaw first moved to the nearby Meadow Valley Wash in 1873 and soon planted an orchard and garden where the park wading pool and fruit trees now sit. Rich with prolific springs and seeps, covered with wild grapes, Gambel oak, and roses, it is easy to see why the park was historically named the “Kershaw Gardens” by local residents.
Established in 1961, with the help of the Civilian Conservation Corps, it became one of Nevada’s first four state parks, along with Valley of Fire, Beaver Dam, and Cathedral Gorge. During this time, the CCC constructed campsites, picnic tables, restrooms, and even the wading pool that still remains at Kershaw-Ryan today.
Situated in a colorful canyon, with towering walls up to 700 feet high and a long, verdant valley in between, Kershaw-Ryan State Park is an oasis in the desert, a sharp contrast to the rugged landscape that surrounds it. Natural springs grow a garden of wild grapevines, white oaks, fruit trees, and willows, and a spring-fed pond provides a refreshing children’s wading pool.
It is not unusual to see wild horses, deer, and other wildlife come to the water. With plenty of places to picnic and a series of trails that wind throughout, the park is a great choice for hiking, camping, and nature study. Natural springs grow a garden of wild grapevines, white oaks, fruit trees, and willows, and a spring-fed pond provides a refreshing children’s wading pool. It is not unusual to see wild horses, deer, and other wildlife come to the water.
With plenty of places to picnic and a series of trails that wind throughout, the park is a great choice for hiking, camping, and nature study.
By Famartin – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=38110969Link
Address
- P.O. Box 985 – Caliente, NV 89008
- 775-726-3564
- krsp@parks.nv.gov
How to Get to Kershaw-Ryan State Park
Kershaw-Ryan State Park is located 3 miles from downtown Caliente, easily accessible through paved roads.
- 2-1/2 hours northeast of Las Vegas: I-15 N to US-93 N to HWY 317 S.
- 2-1/2 hours west of Cedar City, Utah: UT-56 W to US-93 S to UT-219 W to HWY 317 S.
- 2-1/2 hours northwest of St. George, Utah: UT-18 N to UT-56 W to US-93 to HWY 317 S.
Hours Open
8 a.m. to sunset, 365 days a year.
Fees
Day use entrance fee: $5.00 per vehicle (Non-NV Vehicles $10.00 per vehicle)
Kershaw-Ryan State Park Weather
The climate within this southeastern section of Nevada is diverse, ranging from the high 90s in the summertime and anywhere between the mid-40s to subzero temps in the winter months.
Monthly rainfall averages less than an inch, but during the monsoon months of July and August, afternoon thunderstorms are a regular occurrence and are responsible for flash floods, both historically speaking and currently.
Take caution while hiking the canyon trails during these months, and for the most up-to-date information during your visit, be sure to check in with a park ranger.
Hiking at Kershaw-Ryan State Park
Experienced hikers may explore the park’s backcountry above the canyon via the 1.5-mile Overlook Trail.
During the summer hikers should be alert for rattlesnakes, particularly along the trails and in the cool shady areas of the park.
Also, be alert for thunderstorms that may cause flash floods in the canyons. Plan hikes for the morning or evening hours.
Camping
Camping: $15.00 per vehicle, per night (Non-NV Vehicles: $20.00 per vehicle, per night) + $10.00 for sites with utility hookups
The park has a 16-unit campground with a restroom, coin-operated showers, and an RV dump station. Each site has a shade ramada, picnic table, fire ring, and grill. The camping limit is seven days in a 30-day period.
RV sites with 50 amp power and water hookups are available.
There are two group day-use areas in the park and reservations are made by contacting the park.
Picnics
Tables and grills are scattered through the oaks at the top of the park and along Rattlesnake Canyon Trail.
When not otherwise reserved, picnickers may also use the tables under the group shelters.
Bicycles
Bike in: $2.00 per bike
Wildlife
Dog-Friendly
Pets are welcome, but they must be kept on a leash of not more than six feet in length. Pets are not allowed in buildings or in the wading pond.
Fires
Fires must be contained within grills. Gathering firewood is not permitted.
Accessibility
Those with developmental and/or physical limitations are invited to enjoy all of the recreational activities of Nevada State Parks. If you would like to request additional support or accommodations, please call the Nevada State Parks division office
Events
- Park to Park Pedal-Extreme Nevada 100: 2nd Saturday in October
- Pumpkins in the Park: October
- Winter Wonderland: December