There’s a lot more to our state’s landscapes than many people think. Contrary to popular belief, the Nevada desert is full of diverse landscapes and a plethora of delightful surprises. This deep green gorge in Kershaw-Ryan State Park is the perfect example. Hiding out in the remote backcountry outside of Caliente, this canyon in Nevada is full of lush green foliage and it looks like something straight out of a fairy tale. Lose yourself in the beauty of this natural oasis and be sure to plan a visit to see it for yourself.

Rainbow Canyon in Nevada is a true desert oasis hiding out in the arid Mojave Desert. You can treat yourself to some of the best scenes the canyon has to offer when you visit the lovely Kershaw-Ryan State Park.
Amanda Nuchols/Google Reviews
Kershaw-Ryan State Park is the definition of a hidden gem in Rainbow Canyon.
Travis Higley/Google Reviews
The park is rich in bright green foliage—something you definitely wouldn't expect to be hiding in the middle of the desert. In fact, this area was first settled for its natural lushness.
Although first settled by pioneers in the 1870s, it was in the 1920s that Kershaw-Ryan State Park truly came to life. With the help of the Civilian Conservation Corps, the park gained campsites, picnic tables, restroom facilities, and a gorgeous little wading pool.
Edwin Weston/Google Reviews

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When you visit the park today, you'll find yourself surrounded by towering 700-foot-high walls.
PH 7 (PH7)/Google Reviews
Inside the canyon, you'll be immersed in a landscape of rose gardens, wild grapevines, and natural spring water trickling out of the canyon walls. It's truly like a little slice of paradise.
The park is a sweet respite on a hot Nevada day. Enjoy an overnight adventure in this beautiful canyon by taking advantage of the 15-unit campground, complete with restrooms, showers, and RV sites.
Joseph Gonzalez/Google Reviews
If you have been dreaming about renting an RV and traveling to beautiful Nevada state parks try RVShare.
This region of Rainbow Canyon is a hotspot of recreation. Whether you spend the day hiking around and exploring or just soaking up the park's sweet serenity, your experience here is bound to be one that you remember.
PH 7 (PH7)/Google Reviews
Be sure to visit this deep green gorge and the magical little park within it if you haven't already. Kershaw-Ryan State Park can be found just three miles from downtown Caliente off State Route 317.
Renie Sabol/Google Reviews


Enjoy some footage of Rainbow Canyon to Caliente, NV in this video from The Southwest Wanderers:

Have you visited this canyon in Nevada? Kershaw-Ryan State Park is truly an oasis in the desert! Share your favorite hiking stories in Rainbow Canyon with a comment.

For more stunning destinations, check out our list of 10 unimaginably beautiful places in Nevada that you must see before you die.

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More to Explore

More places to explore in Nevada

Chris Muras | July 18, 2023

What are some hidden gem hikes in Nevada?

If you are looking for some interesting hiking trails in Nevada, we've got you covered. Here are some hidden gem hikes in Nevada that are definitely worth taking:

  • Calico Tanks Trail, Las Vegas, NV: The glitz and glamor of Las Vegas settle down once you get out in the desert. This 2.3-mile trail features a whole new kind of excitement with beautiful rock formations and boulders to scramble over. Be sure to start early because it can get pretty hot out there.
  • Monkey Rock, Incline Village, NV: A more refreshing hike in Nevada is the hike to Monkey Rock. With cool views of Lake Tahoe and plenty of forestland to explore this hike is beautiful. At about 2.6 miles it gives you a nice workout without taking all day. With the distinctive Monkey Rock as the focal point of this hike, you'll really be amazed like we were at how much this hunk of granite really does look like a monkey.
  • Mary Jane Falls Trail, Mt Charleston, NV: Start out at the bottom of Kyle Canyon in the Mount Charleston Wilderness to reach the trailhead for this beautiful hike. With plenty of stone steps to climb before you reach the limestone walls that make up the backdrop for the slowly trickling falls, you'll have your work cut out for you. As an added bonus, look for Mary Jane Cave for some interesting exploring.

 

With many miles of trails to explore in Nevada with all types of terrain, you'll never run out of places for your boots to travel. If you do a lot of hiking you'll want to check out our ultimate guide to Nevada hiking trails and perhaps AllTrails+ for information about all the trails in the list.

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Featured Addresses
Kershaw-Ryan State Park, 300 Kershaw Canyon Road, Caliente, NV 89008, USA