 | | Kershaw-Ryan State Park is situated in a colorful, scenic canyon at the northern limit of Rainbow Canyon. Steep canyon walls tower over a long, narrow valley. Early settlers here cultivated a garden of grape vines, trees, and grassy lawn surrounding a spring-fed pond, providing a sharp contrast to the rugged landscape. Trails offer visitors nature study, photography, and hiking.Kershaw Canyon was named for Samuel and Hannah Kershaw who homesteaded the canyon in the 1870s. A post office and settlement were located near Kershaw from 1892 to 1904. At that time, the property was sold to James Ryan of Caliente.In 1926, the Ryans donated the "Kershaw Gardens" as a public park. Soon after, the Civilian Conservation Corps developed picnic sites and a small wading pond. In 1935, the State created Kershaw-Ryan State Park. A campground, group use ramada, water system, restrooms and trails were subsequently constructed to improve visitor services. Unfortunately, two successive flash floods in 1984 destroyed nearly all of these facilities. Today only the group use ramada, water system, restrooms and trails are available. Camping is not allowed yet.The deep canyons of Rainbow Canyon and Kershaw Canyon were created by water eroding across the terrain, carving deep channels into the bedrock. As recently as 10,000 years ago, vast lakes engulfed the Meadow Valley Wash south of Rainbow Canyon. As the lakes drained and the land uplifted, the flowing water created deep canyons. In the Caliente area, this erosion removed more than 1,000 feet of older sediments and gravels from the plateau that once existed.The park itself hosts four distinct plant communities. Riparian species like cottonwood, dogwood, willow, wild grape and reeds are found along the cool, canyon floor. The mountain brush community is found in isolated pockets on the escarpment and canyon floor. Serviceberry, snowberry and current are found here.Sagebrush, rabbitbrush, and Indian ricegrass make up the cool desert shrub community outside the canyon. In even higher elevations of the upland or mesa areas is the pinyon-juniper community.A few trees, like the common apple, were originally planted by Mr. Kershaw in the late 1800s. The canyon floor provides shelter and a supply of water to seasonal and resident wildlife, including mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles. The area also serves as a part-time habitat for migrating birds who find relief and protective shelter within the park. Surrounding areas and higher elevations are inhabited by larger mammals such as deer, coyote and even mountain lion. |
| |  | | | Facilities: Kershaw-Ryan State Park provides a picnic area, group use area, and restrooms.Picnic Area Day use picnic sites are provided. Visitors may also wish to hike to scenic overlooks and other backcountry locations for primitive picnics.Group Use Area Two group use areas are available by reservation, for groups up to 60 people. Contact the park to make reservations. Reservations: Reservations are not needed or accepted for Kershaw-Ryan State Park. Best Time To Visit: Kershaw-Ryan State Park is open year round. Fees: An entrance fee is charged for the park. Accessibility: Unknown Rules: All plants, animals, artifacts, rocks and mineral materials are protected by state law. There is no camping in the park at the present time.Pets are welcome, but they must be kept on a leash of not more than six feet in length. Pets are not allowed in park buildings or structures. No animals are permitted in the wading pond.Children under 16 must have adult supervision if wading in the pond.Horseshoe playing is prohibited on turf areas.Directions: To reach Kershaw-Ryan State Park from Ely, follow Hwy 93 south for 132.4 miles to Caliente. The park is located three miles south of Caliente. To reach Kershaw-Ryan State Park from Cedar City, follow Hwy 56 west for 61.4 miles to Hwy 319. Take Hwy 319 west for 20.8 miles to Hwy 93. Follow 93 south for 13.7 miles to Caliente. The park is located three miles south of Caliente. | | |
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| | | | Address | | Kershaw-Ryan State Park | | HC 64 Box 3 | | Caliente, Nevada 89008 |
| | | Phone | | General: (775) 726-3564 | |
| | | | | Website | | Email |
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