Name Your New State Park

The public was invited to submit name ideas throughout the month of July, resulting in nearly 2,500 submissions from residents, visitors, and park supporters. A committee of Department staff reviewed the entries and selected five finalists that best reflect the park's natural resources, cultural significance, and historic character.

• Carson River Ranches State Park: Honors the property's long ranching history, including well-known ranches such as Chaves Ranch and Break-A-Heart Ranch, while recognizing the importance of the Carson River that flows through the park.
• Cottonwood Trails State Park: Celebrates the park's abundant cottonwood trees while reflecting the journeys of Indigenous peoples, westward emigrants, the Pony Express, the Carson & Colorado Railroad, and ranchers.
• Crossroads Canyon State Park: Represents the movement of people, diverse cultures, and the convergence of historic travel routes. It also highlights the scenic riparian canyon setting and subtly acknowledges the property’s unique history as a divorce ranch in the 1940s-1950s.
• Heritage Canyon State Park: Recognizes the diverse cultural history of the property like Indigenous stewardship, emigrant trails, and ranching, while highlighting its canyon landscape.
• River's Edge State Park: A nature-inspired name celebrating the park's location along the Carson River and the opportunities it will provide for recreation, conservation, and public enjoyment.

Voting will be conducted through this online survey. Each participant may only vote once, so review the survey before casting your vote. Voting will remain open until 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, August 14, 2026.

Looking Ahead to the Future of This Park

Nevada State Parks envisions this park offering day-use recreation opportunities, which may include hiking, biking, fishing, equestrian use, and picnicking.

Nevada State Parks intends to develop a master plan to guide how the new park is designed and managed over time. A master plan ensures that public access, recreation, conservation, and infrastructure are carefully balanced—so that improvements enhance the visitor experience while protecting the landscape’s natural and cultural resources.

The planning process will include opportunities for public and stakeholder input, helping shape decisions about trails, access points, amenities, and long-term management. By establishing a clear vision from the outset, the master plan provides a roadmap for cohesive, well-informed development rather than piecemeal changes over time.

Public Access Currently Limited

The new state park is not yet open to public access. Fort Churchill Road, which passes through the park property, remains open to the public as a county road. Areas beyond Fort Churchill Road are currently closed to public use during the planning and development phase.

Prior to a full opening, Nevada State Parks will complete a master plan for the park and develop necessary amenities, which may include trailheads, trails, restrooms, and picnic areas.