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Kershaw–Ryan State Park facts for kids

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Kershaw–Ryan State Park
2015-01-15 15 21 40 Sign at the main entrance to Kershaw Ryan State Park, Nevada.JPG
Kershaw–Ryan State Park is located in Nevada
Kershaw–Ryan State Park
Kershaw–Ryan State Park
Location in Nevada
Location Lincoln County, Nevada, United States
Nearest city Caliente, Nevada
Area 264.74 acres (107.14 ha)
Elevation 4,505 ft (1,373 m)
Designation Nevada state park
Established 1935
Administrator Nevada Division of State Parks
Website Kershaw–Ryan State Park

Kershaw–Ryan State Park is a fun outdoor place in Nevada where you can enjoy nature. It's located about 2 miles south of the town of Caliente. This park covers about 265 acres, which is a pretty big area for exploring! It sits at the northern end of a beautiful spot called Rainbow Canyon.

Park History

How the Park Started

The story of this park began in 1873. A family named Samuel and Hannah Kershaw settled in this canyon. They started a ranch there and called it the Meadow Valley Wash Ranch.

A Gift to the State

In 1904, the Kershaws sold their ranch to a man named James Ryan. Mr. Ryan loved the land so much that in 1926, he decided to give it to the state of Nevada. He wanted it to become a public park for everyone to enjoy.

Building and Rebuilding

The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) helped build many parts of the park in 1934. They created places for visitors to use. Kershaw–Ryan State Park officially opened in 1935. It was one of the very first state parks in Nevada!

Sadly, a big flood in 1984 washed away most of the park's buildings. This included a stone cabin built by the CCC. But the park was rebuilt and redesigned, reopening in 1997. More recently, between 2018 and 2019, new trails were added, making the park even better for hikers.

Fun Things to Do

Kershaw–Ryan State Park is a great place for outdoor adventures!

  • You can go camping and spend the night under the stars.
  • There are also picnic areas where you can enjoy a meal with your family or friends.
  • If you're with a big group, there's a special group-use area just for you.

Exploring the Trails

Hikers will love the trails here!

  • The Canyon Overlook Trail is about 1.5 miles long and offers amazing views of the canyon.
  • There's also a shorter path called the Rattlesnake Loop for a quicker walk.


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