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. the park was closed for rebuilding until 1997, when it reopened to visitors.

The steep cliffs of Kershaw Canyon, which were created by water carving deep channels into the volcanic rock of the area, were desposited by volcanic eruptions more than 11 million years ago.

Many small springs emerge from the walls of Kershaw Canyon, generally coming from fault lines in the rock. These springs result in the lush growth of wild grapes, reeds and willows along the canyon walls. In Kershaw Canyon, Horse Springs was channeled into a trough weere wild horses, deer and other wildlife come to water. Mountains lions, bobcats, foxes and coyotes also frequent this area along with a variety of birds, reptiles and samller mamals.

Water from Kershaw Canyon flows into the meadow Valley Wash in Rainbow Canyon and then into the Muddy River and Lake Mead by overton, Nevada.

The park hosts four distinct plant communities: the riparian along the cool, moist canyon floor; the mountain brush which is found in shady pockets on the canyon walls; the cool desert shrub which includes sagebrush and rabbit brush found in the dry areas; and the pinyon-juniper community woodlands found in higher elevations. Gambel's oak occurs in small groves such as the picnic area near the pond along with apple, pear and plum trees from the orchard planted by the Kershaws in the late 1800s.

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 5,175 feet above sea level.

Summers are dry and warm, with daytimes temperatures reaching above 95 degrees F and nights in the 50s. Monthly rainfall averages less than an inch, but during the late summer thunderstorms can produce flash floods. Caution should be taken if hiking the canyon trails during July and August. winters can be cold with snow on the ground in December and January. Daytime highs in winter may only reach 40-degrees F.

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

Camping:  The park has 15-unit campground with a restroom, coin operated showers and an RV dump station.

Picnic Area:  Tables and grills are scattered through the oaks at the top of the park and along Rattlesnake Canyon Trail. when not reserved, picnickers may use the tables under the group shelters.

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.

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. 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.
3. Children under 16 must have adult supervision if wading in the pond.
4. Horseshoe playing is prohibited on turf areas.

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