Natural Resources and Climate of Dayton State Park

Dayton State Park consists of 160 acres with typical Great Basin desert topography, such as cottonwoods, sage, rabbitbrush and willows. The lower park borders the Carson River. The upper park includes the remains of old Highway 50 and the Rock Mill site and looks out over Dayton Valley at the foot of the Virginia mountain range. Cottontails and ground squirrels are plentiful, while an observant visitor may see a hawk, coyote, fox, mule deer or porcupine. Dayton summer temperatures range from 80-100˚F with lows around 40-50˚F. The park is 12 miles east of Carson City on U.S. 50.