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Nevada State Parks

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Beaver Dam State Park
Beaver Dam State Park © Gary OToole
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BEAVER DAM STATE PARK
BEAVER DAM STATE PARK
Post Office Box 985
Caliente, Nevada   89008

Phone: 775-728-4460
Email: park email button icon
Beaver Dam State Park is Eastern Nevada's most remote park, and is a popular area for hikers and nature enthusiasts who enjoy its primitive and rustic character. Deep canyons, pinion and juniper forests, a flowing stream and numerous beaver dams are the primary features, offering fishing, camping, picnicking, hiking, photography and nature study. Facilities include campgrounds, a group use area, a day-use picnic area, and hiking and interpretive trails. Beaver Dam is open year-round, weather permitting, but travel is not advised during winter months.

Situated in rugged canyon country, this 2,393-acre park is located approximately 34 miles east of Caliente adjacent to the Utah border. Motorists can reach the park by driving six miles north of Caliente on US 93, then 28 miles east on a graded gravel road that leads to the park entrance. The park sits at an elevation of 5,000 feet. Vehicles and trailers over 25 feet long are not recommended because of switchbacks on the road to the park.
Nature of the Area
Deep canyons, meandering streams, and diverse plant communities characterize the park's landscape. Volcanic rocks are dominant and include extrusive pink rhyolite, dark red and grey andesite's and white ash-fall tuff's. Vegetation varies from dense to sparse depending upon the microclimate, soil cover, topography, and other physical conditions. Dominant plants include pinion-juniper woodlands, ponderosa pines, sage brush, Gambel oak, willow and cottonwoods, and several varieties of cactus. The native wildlife at Beaver Dam is also diverse. Common animals include beaver (who actually build dams along the stream), mule deer, rabbits, bull frogs, a variety of birds, bats, rodents, lizards, and snakes. The Nevada Division of Wildlife stocks Beaver Dam wash with rainbow trout. Desert suckers and golden shiner fish are also locally abundant.
History of the Area
Indians first explored this area, camping and hunting along the streams of Headwaters Creek and Pine Creek. The streams join to form Beaver Dam Wash above the reservoir. Spaniards may have also crossed the region between 1540 and 1775 while establishing trade routes in the Southwest. In 1849, a group of emigrants left the established old Spanish trail to the south on their way to seek gold in California.

In hospitable weather and terrain forced them to abandon their wagons on the east rim of Pine Park Canyon. They proceeded on foot with their horses and mules but before leaving the area, two men, Wesley Smith and Henry W. Bigler (who later became governor of California) engraved their initials in a cliff: "WHB, Saturday, Nov. 3, 1849". The first to homestead the area was the Hamblin family during the 1860s. Today only remains of an early 1930s railroad tie house and wooden corral are visible. The reservoir and dam existed from 1961 until 2005 when record floods overtopped the dam and destabilized it. It was breached by Nevada Department of Wildlife out of public safety concerns in April 2005. Currently the area in around the old dam site is re-vegetating to its natural state. This is part of the environment history in this area, as the original campgrounds established by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) were washed away and replaced with the current campgrounds now in use.

Interest in the park began in 1917 when residents of Clover Valley (now Barclay) would visit the Hamblin Ranch (near the present western park boundary) for a day or two outing. The 1935 State Legislature designated Beaver Dam as a state park due to the insistence and support of local residents and state officials. Exceptional scenery and the recreational possibilities of Beaver Dam Wash were primary considerations in the park's designation. Camping facilities were constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) from 1934-36. No other improvements were made until August 1961 when the dam was completed, creating the reservoir that provides flood control and enhanced fishing opportunities. Dedicated in 1962, the 15-acre reservoir was named for George Schroeder, an engineer who suffered a heart attack at the construction site.
Camping
Three developed campgrounds offer 33 individual campsites, each containing a fire pit, picnic table and parking pad, some suitable for trailers up to 20 feet in length. Camping is on a first-come, first-served basis. Water hydrants and vault or chemical toilets (no flush facilities) are conveniently scattered throughout the park. Water is available from May - October with fees charged year-round.
Boating
The park offers a variety of boating options for visitors. There is a small reservoir within the park where non-motorized boats are allowed, making it ideal for canoeing and kayaking. Fishing from these vessels can also be enjoyed by those who have obtained appropriate licenses. However, due to fluctuating water levels in the reservoir throughout different seasons, potential boaters should check current conditions before planning their trip.
Fishing
Persons fishing must possess a valid Nevada fishing license with trout stamp.


Location
Beaver Dam State Park is

Picnicking
The trail head for the Riparian area along Beaver Dam wash is currently being reconstructed after serious flood damage. However, access is still available on foot from Campground 1. Visitors may also picnic at any of the developed campsites, as available. A Day Use Fee must be paid for use of these facilities.
Bicycling
In this park, biking enthusiasts can enjoy a variety of trails. However, caution is advised due to rugged terrain.

Mountain bikers should be prepared for steep inclines and rocky paths that require advanced skills and experience.

The park's diverse landscape offers both challenging uphill climbs and thrilling downhill descents on its numerous bike routes.

Remember: safety gear such as helmets are essential when cycling in the area given the unpredictable nature of some trails.

Please note that not all areas within the park permit bicycling; respect signage indicating restricted zones.

Biking after dark isn't recommended because visibility decreases significantly which could lead to accidents or injuries.

Ensure you have ample water supply while exploring these desert-based tracks since dehydration poses serious risks here too.

Lastly, always inform someone about your planned route before setting off on any trail ride for added security measures.
Trails
1. Aspen Trail: This trail is 2 miles long and offers a moderate hike through aspen groves, with the chance to spot wildlife such as deer and elk.

2. Cottontail Loop Trail: A short but steep loop of approximately 0.5 mile that provides panoramic views over Beaver Dam State Park's rugged landscape.

3. Pinion Pathway: An easy-to-moderate level hiking path spanning about one mile; it winds around pinon pines offering hikers an immersive experience in nature's beauty.

4. Juniper Draw Loop Trail: At roughly six miles round trip, this moderately difficult trail takes you along scenic ridges overlooking deep canyons filled with junipers trees for breathtaking vistas throughout your journey.

5. Rose Valley Red Route: Approximately three-mile-long route which passes by Rose valley reservoir providing beautiful water views amidst desert landscapes.

6. Oak Knoll River Walk: It runs parallel to Oak Creek for nearly two miles allowing visitors close encounters with local flora & fauna while enjoying serene river sounds.

7. Beaver Dam Wash Nature Study Area Trails: These are series of interconnected trails totaling up to five kilometers ideal for bird watching or studying native plants species found within park boundaries.

8. Campground Connector: Short half-a-mile walk connecting campground areas together making easier access between them possible without need of vehicle transportation.
Birding
The park offers diverse birding opportunities with over 200 species, including raptors and migratory birds. Birdwatchers can explore various habitats such as meadows, forests, streams and a reservoir area. The best time for bird watching is during spring or fall migration periods.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
October 15 Disappointed by Susie
park review stars; one to five I was here back in 2005 before the flood damage and had,a chance to return in 2016 to find no Reservoir and everything being left go and overgrown. The only wildlife we saw was 3 snakes just a few feet onto a trail. This used to be a beautiful dam and great place to see birds.
November 6 Solitude; very quiet; lots of trout by Tsugem64
park review stars; one to five My wife and I fished for trout in the stream and got our limit in 2 hours. Nobody else was there. Clean campgrounds but lack of fresh water was a disappointment. The trail to the hot spring was nice but the springs were too small to soak in and only lukewarm. Otherwise a nice getaway.
July 29 Love this Park
park review stars; one to five No dam, no lake, no people!!! The ranger is excellant at keeping the place clean and quiet for those of us who want to enjoy solitude.
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Directions
Take US 93 South from Panaca. Follow signs for road on Left.

From Caliente take US 93 North for a short drive, watch for signs, road will be on the right.

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Nevada State Parks

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