Spring Valley State Park, NV

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06/18/2012 Trip Notes: My friend Harvey Smith and I spent four days here camping here and taking rides and hikes in the surrounding area. We camped at Horsethief Gulch Campground, which is uphill just west of the reservoir, and has 36 campsites. We parked on site #18 (see Fig. 07 below) which was higher than most of the other sites, was directly opposite the restroom and showers and had a water hydrant, shade ramada, picnic table and fire grill. We camped at a site that had a water hydrant and was right next to a restroom with showers. Having already made several hikes on our way to the campground, as soon as we were setup we sat down and enjoyed a batch of frozen margaritas (Fig. 01). We spent the next three days hiking and exploring the sights of the park see below) as well as Cathedral Gorge State Park, Kershaw-Ryan State Park and the mines in and around Pioche and Caliente. Almost every evening before sundown, we drove up and down the valley and looking for wildlife. The reservoir and valley’s lush meadows attracts a variety of waterfowl and shore birds, including mallards,Canada geese, teals, herons, avocets and the infrequent yet beautiful trumpeter swan. Eagles, hawks, songbirds, ravens and road runners inhabit the canyons and valleys. We encountered dozens of squirrels, cottontails, jack rabbits, deer and cattle as evidenced by (Figs. 02-06) below.

Fig. 01

Fig. 02 Fig. 03 Fig. 04 Fig. 05

Fig.06

Fig. 07 Campground Overview: Offering camping, picnicking, boating, fishing, and hiking, Spring Valley State Park is located about 18 miles northeast of Pioche on State Route 322, around the shores of the Eagle Valley Reservoir. With its elevation, summer temperatures are in the mid 80’s and get down to the mid 40’s at night. Access is via Nevada State Highway 322, a fully paved road from Pioche, Nevada. The road winds and meanders over high desert terrain and through scenic canyons and is a very nice drive. About three and a half hours from Las Vegas, the park is located 18 miles northeast of Pioche.  As you're just about to pass out of Pioche is a little tiny sign that says Spring Valley Reservoir and EASY to miss - turn right. Primary Attractions: Beside the beautiful valley views that seem to stretch endlessly for miles on either side of the dam, the boating and trout fishing at the reservoir (Figs. 08 & 09) is a primary draw. Of the park’s 1,281 acres, 59 acres are taken up by the Eagle Valley Reservoir. The reservoir, at an elevation 5,836 feet, is created by the Eagle Valley Dam which was built in 1965 for agricultural purposes. With grazing for cattle, horses and a variety of crops throughout the valley, agriculture continues to be an important factor in Lincoln County's economy today. The area around the reservoir was designated a state park in 1969.  What I found to be the most enjoyable location, was a restored Stone Cabin and its several well marked hiking trails located just a few miles north of the main campground (see more below).

Fig. 08

Fig. 09

Fig. 10 Area History: Though some archaeologists believe this area was occupied as long ago as 5,500 B.C., there is little visible evidence of this. Eroded from the hillsides, sediments have been brought down Meadow Valley Wash to form the deep alluvium of the valley. Evidence of older lake bed deposits suggest that Spring Valley was once inundated by a lake during the middle Pliocene and early Pleistocene when the climate may have been much wetter than today. More recently, Mormon pioneers settled this part of eastern Nevada in 1864. The first weeks in the valley were difficult for these early pioneers; many lived in their wagons (Fig.10) until their homes were built, some of which still stand today. Fig. 11 The old pioneer wagon in (Fig. 11) stands in front of the Stone Cabin site, along with several of the old farming instruments (Figs. 12 & 13) from the time. Fig. 12

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The Stone Cabin: We spent an entire morning exploring this site and hiking the trails that lead into the hills behind the cabin and to the top of the cliff seen in (Fig. 14) The Stone Cabin is a prime example of the workmanship that went into these homes.Though changes have been made over the last century — the metal roof would have been logs tied together, chinked and layered with sod rather than the metal you see today — the cabin gives visitors a glimpse into the life of a pioneer.

Fig. 14

A number of ranch buildings from the late 19th century still exist in the park, including those of the Rice Ranch, Millet Ranch and others. Today the Millet Ranch is used as the park headquarters. The Stone Cabin however, is a prime example of the workmanship of the day. Though changes have been made over the last century — the metal roof would have been logs tied together, chinked and layered with sod rather than the metal you see today — the cabin gives visitors a glimpse into the life of a pioneer. On the west end of the house property there is an old, single seat outhouse (Figs. 15 & 16). Not too far behind the house is a well preserved root cellar (Figs. 17 & 18), that contains a few items similar to what may have been housed there many years ago.

Fig. 15

Fig. 16

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Fig. 18

Hiking farther behind the homestead revealed the remains of yet another unidentified structure and some very unique rock formations of volcanic tuff and sediment (Figs. 19 & 20). These rocks which are found along the hillsides upstream from the reservoir, give a dramatic backdrop to the park where other light-gray, pinkish or white outcrops have been exposed as the result of hundreds, if not thousands, of years of erosion. After reaching the top we were presented with some outstanding views (Figs. 21 & 22) of the valley below.

Fig. 19

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Fig. 21

Fig. 22