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.

In 1990, the voters of Nevada passed Question 5: The Parks and Wildlife Bond Issue, which funded new planning and development at the park. In 1997, Kershaw-Ryan State Park re-opened.

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.

Flash floods are common in Kershaw Canyon. In August of 1984, a thunderstorm produced a flash flood in the canyon which caused extensive damage to the park. Only one month later, a second flood of similar magnitude inflicted further damage. These floods washed away nearly all of the park's facilities, forcing the park to close.

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.

Kershaw-Ryan State Park is located three miles south of Caliente, and only 25 miles west of the Utah border in Lincoln County. Park elevations range from 4,312 to 5,080 feet above sea level.

Summers are dry and warm, with temperatures ranging from a high of 95°F to a low of 55°F. Monthly rainfall is often less than one inch. Winters are usually cold with highs reaching only 50°F. Snow averages several inches to one foot, and may stay on the ground for long periods.

For more information, call the park office at (775) 726-3564 or the Regional Visitor Center at (775) 728-4460.

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.

Hiking:  You are welcome to explore the park's backcountry area above the canyon. There are three developed trails for your enjoyment. The Canyon Overlook Trail is one mile long, the Horsespring Trail is ½ mile long, and the Rattlesnake Canyon Trail is about ½ mile in length.

Park Information:  General information may be found at the information kiosks located at the picnic area and the campground.

Entrance Fee:  An entrance fee is charged to enter the park. Current fees are posted at the park entrance. Click here for all individual park fees by region.

Reminders:

To make your visit and the visits of others more enjoyable, please observe the following rules:

1. All plants, animals, artifacts, rocks and mineral materials are protected by state law.
2. There is no camping in the park at the present time.
3. 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.
4. Children under 16 must have adult supervision if wading in the pond.
5. Horseshoe playing is prohibited on turf areas.

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