Kershaw-Ryan State Park is a beautiful park located in a remote part of southeastern Nevada, just a few miles from the city of Caliente.
Spread across 1,200-acres it is nestled in a scenic canyon that is surrounded by rugged mountain peaks and a lush green oasis of trees and vegetation.
This provides visitors with a unique and peaceful outdoor experience that enables them to fully refresh from the pressures of city life.
The main highlight of the park is a scenic natural spring-fed pool that is perfect for swimming and lounging in the sun. Additionally, this Nevada state park also offers a variety of hiking trails that wind through the canyon, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
These trails also provide excellent opportunities for birding and wildlife watching. While picnicking and camping are other popular activities.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat in nature or an adventurous outdoor experience, Kershaw-Ryan State Park is sure to have something for everyone.
Activities
Visitors to the park can enjoy its pristine and breathtaking scenery in several different ways.
Outlined below is a brief summary of some of the various activities you can see and do while you are there.
Swimming at Kershaw-Ryan State Park
During the summer the park can get hot. So swimming is a terrific way to reduce the effects of the excessive temperatures.
The park features a natural spring-fed pool that is available for visitors to swim in. The pool is surrounded by lush vegetation that provides a relaxing and peaceful atmosphere for guests to enjoy.
The pool is approximately 100 feet in diameter and ranges in depth from two to six feet, making it suitable for both children and adults.
Lifeguards are not present at the pool, so visitors are responsible for their own safety while swimming.
Trails at Kershaw-Ryan State Park
Hiking is a popular activity that offers visitors a chance to explore the park’s scenic landscape and wildlife.
Throughout the park there are 14 miles of trails available. These are multi-use, so you can hike or mountain bike on them.
The trails wind through the canyon and offer stunning views of the surrounding mountain peaks. They vary in length from half a mile to three miles and are well-maintained.
More seasoned hikers can take the 1.5 mile Overlook Trail which runs above the canyon into its back country.
When hiking in the summer you should be mindful of rattlesnakes. Keep an eye out also for thunderstorms as these can cause flash flooding. To avoid suffering with the heat, it is best to organize your hike for the early morning.
Picnicking at Kershaw-Ryan State Park
Many people take the opportunity to enjoy a picnic when they come to the park.
Dotted throughout it are several shaded picnic areas that are equipped with picnic tables and grills. Visitors can enjoy a meal while taking in the park’s stunning views of rugged mountain peaks and lush vegetation.
The picnic areas are located near the natural spring-fed pool, so you can also go for a refreshing dip before or after your meal.
If you intend to use this area it is important to note that visitors should refrain from consuming alcohol. They also are responsible for cleaning up after themselves and disposing of trash properly.
Birding at Kershaw-Ryan State Park
The park is home to a wide variety of birds so you might want to bring your binoculars and a guidebook with you for the best chance of spotting them.
Some of the birds live in the park all year round, while others are seasonal migrants. Depending on when you visit you might be able to see woodpeckers, hummingbirds and warblers in their natural habitat.
Many of the best birding spots can be found along the hiking trails and around the natural spring-fed pool.
Additionally, the park hosts birding events and workshops throughout the year, providing visitors with an opportunity to learn more about the park’s avarian residents.
Nature & Wildlife
As well as the birds, the park is also home to a wide range of flora and fauna species.
Visitors can also explore the park’s diverse flora, including juniper, pinyon pine, and various wildflowers.
They should be able to see wildlife like deer, coyotes, bobcats and rattlesnakes as well.
There are lots of opportunities to photograph this kind of nature on the hiking and biking trails. However you should be mindful about getting too close to the animals you intend to take pictures of.
Pets
Pets are welcome at Kershaw-Ryan State Park, but park visitors should be aware that certain conditions are imposed on their presence.
This includes that pets must be well behaved, cleaned up after they made a mess and kept restrained on a leash of no longer than six feet at all times.
It also requires them not to enter certain parts of the park as instructed by signage.
For more information about the park’s pet policy it is worth contacting the rangers at the main office.
Camping
Camping is a great way to experience the beauty and tranquility of Kershaw-Ryan State Park.
Overall, the park offers 16 campsites, some of which have connections to 30-amp or 50-amp electricity and water.
Each of these sites come with their own picnic tables, shade ramada, fire pit and grill. They are located near the natural spring-fed pool and feature amenities like restrooms, an RV dump station and coin-operated showers.
A camping limit of no more than seven days within a 30-day period is enforced.
Park Location
Kershaw-Ryan State Park
300 Kershaw Canyon Road
Caliente, NV 89008
Phone: 775.726.3564
Map
Video
Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Kershaw-Ryan State Park:
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