| Kershaw-Ryan State Park, Nevada |
 Trail Name:Rattlesnake Canyon Summary: |
| Trail Description |
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The red cliffs and canyons of Kershaw-Ryan is situated at the northern end of colorful Rainbow Canyon, which stretches south for 18 miles to Elgin. From the parking area, head through the small picnic area and cross a footbridge. The dusty trail climbs gently for 0.5 mile through Gambel oak, rabbitbrush and sagebrush. A short spur leads to the top of a hill overlooking Rainbow Canyon.
Retrace your steps along the spur to continue along the loop back down towards the parking area. Shortly before the end of the loop you reach some steps and a trail junction. Take the track to the right that leads through Rattlesnake Canyon (the left returns to the car park). After a short time, the trail through this pretty canyon becomes undefined. You have to continue by scrambling and climbing over boulders, taking time to stop to admire the lovely cliff views. 0.5 mile into the canyon, you reach a dead-end at a 30-ft cliff. Retrace your steps to the junction and continue ahead to return the car park. Kershaw-Ryan is a small State Park, but it does offer further hiking opportunities. A dry wash marks the route to take if you wish to reach the top of Ely Mountain (the highest point in the Park). Although there is no defined trail as of June 2000, a ranger has advised us that one is being developed. |
| FACT FILE |
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Location: 3 miles south-west of Caliente in east Nevada. $3 self-service entrance fee.
Directions: Route 317 south from Caliente. From Las Vegas - I-15 north for 21 miles, then 153 miles north on US 93 to the intersection with the 317. Trailhead: Parking area at the end of the State Park road. Length: 2.5 miles / 4.0 km Trail Type: Loop Elevation Change: N/A Duration: 1.5 hours Trail Condition: Loop is well defined. Trail ends with a rocky, out and back spur through a canyon - this section undefined (as at June 2000) and involves some scrambling. Features: Canyon views, cliffs. Climate: High temperatures and thunderstorms in summer, pleasant in spring and fall. Accommodation: Three motels and two RV parks in Caliente. As of June 2000, no camping inside the State Park. Trail Notes: Risk of flash flooding in narrow canyons - the Park was closed in 1984 after a summer flash flood destroyed facilities and roads. |
