Kershaw–Ryan State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kershaw–Ryan State Park |
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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.
Contents
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.