Hidden in the desert of Lyon County is a lush river corridor where you can immerse yourself in the ranching side of Nevada. Located just outside Yerington, the Walker River State Recreation Area is one of Nevada’s largest and newest state parks. The park officially opened in 2018 and is a lovely location for a day ride.
Walker River SRA is actually made up of four historic ranch properties along the East Walker River. The properties were privately owned for over 100 years until the Walker Basin Conservancy helped secure the land and water rights. The four ranches – with over 12,000 acres of land, including 30 miles of the East Walker River – were donated to the State of Nevada for conservation and recreation.
The main part of the park is the Pitchfork Ranch. This is where you’ll find the visitor’s center, two campgrounds (not for equestrians), and picnic areas. The Pitchfork was a working ranch so the property is filled with historic barns, corrals, and homes, including the stunning original stucco ranch house (turned visitor’s center).
You can ride around the ranch, but most people will want to head out to the Nature Trail. This trail follows the river and is open to horses. Out and back is about 5 miles. (I’m told that State Parks plans to extend it someday.) The trail is flat, wide, and has good footing. There are two gates to open and close. Much of the the river is fenced so access to it is limited with horses, but there are a couple of spots to get to the water.
The nature trail is thick with cottonwood trees which make for lovely shade in the summer and a sea of gold in the fall. This region generally sees little snow so the trails are accessible year-round. Sometimes cows are grazing in the pasture around the river. You may also catch a glimpse of deer, antelope, or bighorn sheep.
If you are looking for more mileage than the nature trail has to offer, you can also head out into the surrounding desert around the ranch and explore.
Another historic ranch that was acquired in this Walker River bundle is the Nine Mile Ranch which is also open for riding. The other two ranches are the Rafter 7 Ranch and the Flying M Ranch. State Parks says those will be developed and opened to the public (and possibly equestrians) in the future.
Getting Here
Note: The road to Pitchfork is gravel and not graded regularly. Sometimes it can get really wash-boardy making for very slow driving with a trailer.
Where to Park: Equestrians are asked to park in the gravel lot next to the ranch house/visitor’s center. From here you can ride through the park to access the Nature Trail.
Trail Maps
