Ash Canyon Trail Hike at Echo Canyon State

Celebrate National Trails Day with a strenuous hike in picturesque Ash Canyon, featuring towering rock walls and beautiful scenery.

WHAT: Ash Canyon Trail Hike
WHEN: Saturday, June 1 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
WHERE: The park is three hours north of Las Vegas, off Highway 93 by State routes 322 and 323. It is 12 miles east of Pioche and about 12 miles from the Nevada-Utah border.
WHO: The event is open to the public.
COST: There is a $7 per vehicle entrance fee; Nevada residents receive a $2 discount.
MORE: Echo Canyon State Park is three hours north of Las Vegas and hosts wildlife, nature and rock formations to study, and various trails to explore. Echo Canyon’s 35-acre reservoir supports trout, bass, crappie and a large shaded campground for anyone looking for reprieve from a warm Nevada day.
CONTACT: Regional Visitor Center, 775-728-4460, cathedral_gorge_vc@lcturbonet.com

Gravel Grinder Bike Run at Beaver Dam State Park

Celebrate National Trails Day on June 1, and pedal down an old chaining road that runs along the park’s rim while taking in the great views of the park from above. The course swings around back to the main park road and down into the campground where barbequed hamburgers await to be devoured.

WHAT: Gravel Grinder Bike Run
WHEN: Saturday, June 1, from 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
WHERE: The park is located approximately three hours north of Las Vegas on the Utah border off U.S. highway 93 N. Turn off on Beaver Dam Road east.
WHO: The event is open to the public.
COST: A $25 per person admission fee includes the park’s entrance fees and a barbeque dinner.
MORE: Beaver Dam State Park displays a natural, primitive and rustic beauty that offers a peaceful environment to any outdoor enthusiast of hiking, camping or fishing. Accented by streams, waterfalls, pinion-juniper and ponderosa forests and dramatic outcrops of volcanic and sedimentary rocks, this is a park that shouldn’t be missed!
CONTACT: Regional Visitor Center, 775-728-4460, cathedral_gorge_vc@lcturbonet.com orbeaverdam@mwpower.net

Deadman’s Creek Hike at Washoe Lake State Park

Celebrate National Trails Day on June 1, and take a short 1.5 mile hike to the top of the hill along Deadman’s Creek with a park ranger.  There are great views of Washoe Valley at the top from the gazebo. Some plants will be identified along the way.  Bring the kids and a camera!

WHAT: Deadman’s Creek Hike
WHEN: Saturday, June 1, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
WHERE: Participants will meet at the main boat ramp.  The park is located 18 miles south of Reno and five miles north of Carson City, traveling on U.S. 395. Take the East Lake Boulevard exit 44 and continue approximately 3 ½ miles to the park’s entrance.
WHO: The event is open to the public.
COST: The program is free, but there is a per vehicle entrance fee of $7; Nevada residents receive a $2 discount.
MORE: We recommend sturdy shoes and water. Washoe Lake State Park takes its name from its original inhabitants, the Washoe Indians, and offers the opportunity for nature study and bird watching in the wetland areas. Visitors can also enjoy hiking in sand dunes and shore fishing at Little Washoe. Two large campgrounds provide a convenient stop for travelers.
CONTACT: Jennifer Dawson, 775-687-4319, washoelake@hdiss.net

Wildcat Cabin Hike at Spooner Lake

Celebrate National Trails Day on June 1 by joining rangers on a moderate two mile hike from Spooner Lake up North Canyon to Wildcat Cabin. Listen to rangers discuss local history as well as trees, shrubs and wildflowers and learn about the historic Spencer’s cabin along the way. The group will be visiting one of the parks remote rental cabins in the backcountry. Discover your next, very unique and private vacation getaway at Wildcat Cabin.

WHAT: Wildcat Cabin Hike
WHEN: Saturday, June 1 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
WHERE: Spooner Lake is approximately one mile north on Highway 28 past the Hwy 50 (Spooner Summit) intersection.
WHO: Hosted by Nevada State Parks and open to the public.
COST: The park entrance fee is waived for participants on the hike.
MORE: Please prepare for unpredictable weather in early spring and above 7,000 feet. A light jacket, sturdy hiking boots, sun protection, water, and bug spray is advised.  Pack a lunch or snacks.  Spooner Backcountry is a mountain biker’s dream, with miles of trails that overlook Lake Tahoe and wind through Marlette/Hobart Backcountry. Enjoy trails designated for equestrians, hikers and mountain bikers. Camping is primitive and is allowed in designated areas. Spooner Lake offers great fishing close to Carson City.
CONTACT: Alisa Johansson, 775-831-0494 ext. 221, tahoesp@hughes.net

California Trail Demonstration at South Fork State Recreation Area

Celebrate National Trails Day on June 1, at South Fork State Recreation Area by attending a California Trail Demonstration. Reflect on the hardships, hazards and triumphs experienced by the families who dared to journey west. Journey back into time and see what life was like for these pioneers who were in search of a better life.

WHEN: Saturday, June 1, 2 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.
WHERE: South Fork State Reservoir is located in Spring Creek. Travel seven miles south of Elko on State Route 227, turn south on State Route 228 and 3.5 miles southwest on Lower South Fork Road; enter main entrance and go to top of East Campground.
COST: The event is free, the per vehicle entrance fee is $7; Nevada residents receive a $2 discount.
WHO: The Bureau of Land Management is sponsoring the event.
MORE: South Fork State Recreation Area boasts northeastern Nevada’s wildlife-filled meadow lands and rolling hills, with the Ruby Mountains as a back drop. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating and swimming in the reservoir, with hiking and hunting opportunities in the nearby meadows and hills.
CONTACT: Robert Misiti, Park Supervisor, 775-744-4346, sfsra@getbeehive.net

Sandstone Canyon Trail hike at Spring Mountain Ranch State Park

Celebrate National Trails Day on June 1, with a ranger led hike on Sandstone Canyon Trail.

WHAT: Sandstone Canyon Trail Hike
WHEN: Saturday, June 1, 10 a.m.
WHERE: Spring Mountain Ranch is located 15 miles West of Las Vegas on State Route 159, centrally located between Red Rock National Conservation Area Scenic Loop and Bonny Springs Old Nevada.
WHO: The event is open to the public.
COST: There is a $9 per vehicle entrance fee; Nevada residents receive a $2 discount.
MORE: Spring Mountain Ranch State Park is set in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area and has been used historically as a combination working ranch and a luxury retreat by a string of colorful owners who’ve left an impression. Enjoy cultural events put on by the Super Summer Theater and living history programs such as re-enactments of the Civil War and Pioneer Day.
CONTACT: Park Staff, 702-875-4141, smr-interp@parks.nv.gov

Logo courtesy Nevada Department of Conservation & Natural Resources