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Beaver Dam State Park |
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Beaver Dam State Park
Post Office Box 985
Caliente, NV 89008
Info on Beaver Dam, contact Cathedral Gorge at (775) 728-4460
beaverdam@mwpower.net
Update 4/13/05: Schroeder Dam was breached by Nevada Division of Wildlife
engineers on April 6th due to flood damage and public safety concerns. The
reservoir is currently empty and it is strongly advised that the public avoid
the dam site and the exposed mud flats behind the dam. These areas could prove
treacherous to hikers until such time as the area is stabilized. Check back at
this site for updates or call the Beaver Dam State park office in Caliente for
the latest information.
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.
* Camping
* Group Camping
* Picnicking
* Group Picnicking
* Trails
* Nature Study
* Fishing
Park Origin and History:
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.
Natural Resources:
Pine Park Wash
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.
Climate:
Weather is highly seasonal with wide variations in temperature. Summertime
temperatures range from 95°F by midday and drop to 50°F at night. Although the
park is open year-round, harsh winter conditions with heavy snowfalls and
temperatures dropping below zero limit access. During winter months, only
vehicles with four wheel drive are recommended. Rainfall is variable, with
thunderstorms common in July and August. For more information about Beaver Dam
State Park, or to obtain current weather conditions at the park, contact the
Park Office at (775) 726-3564, or the Regional Visitor Center at (775) 728-4460.
Facilities:
Entrance Fee: An entrance fee is charged to enter the park, with additional fees
for camping. Current fees are posted at the park entrance. Click here for all
individual park fees by region.
a camper in Campground B
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.
Group Area: A shade ramada, with capacity for 50 persons, may be reserved for
group use. For reservation information contact the Park Ranger Station, HC 64
Box 3, Caliente, NV 89008, or call (775) 726-3564.
Day-Use: 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.
Fishing: Persons fishing must possess a valid Nevada fishing license with trout
stamp. Only artificial lures with single barbless hooks may be used. a trail
Hiking: The Interpretive trail leads from campground Number 2 to the old lake
overview and still commands and impressive view. Serious damage occurred to all
other trails in the park during the recent flooding; repair work will begin
during the 2005 summer season. Please check this website or call the park office
for updated trails information.
Park Information: General information may be found on the entrance fee board.
From May to October park staff provide visitor services. Due to the remote
location, however, electrical and phone services are not available.
Reminders:
To make your visit and the visits of others more enjoyable, please observe the
following rules:
1. Firewood or other combustibles must be contained within the rims of grills or
stoves provided with a maximum length of 22" for wooden materials to be burned.
Firewood is available for a small donation. Occupants must remove all unburned
materials when vacating site.
2. Camping is allowed only in designated campsites.
3. 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.
4. All plants, animals, artifacts, rocks and mineral materials are protected by
state law.
5. Drive your vehicle only on approved routes of travel(see map), and park only
in designated parking areas. Motorized vehicles are not allowed on trails in the
park.
6. A Nevada fishing license with a trout stamp is required for fishing within
the park. Only artificial lures with single barbless hooks may be used.
7. Pack it in. pack it out.
There is no trash collection at Beaver Dam.
You are responsible for knowing all park rules and regulations in effect.
Detailed rules and regulations are posted at the park. |
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