Below you will find helpful information about Extraterrestrial Hwy.
Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge
Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge, is located approximately 90 miles north of Las Vegas in Lincoln County, Nevada, just off of US Route 93. Pahranagat, a Native American word meaning "land of many waters", was established in 1963 to provide habitat for migratory birds, especially waterfowl, its lakes and marshes being a rare sight in this part of Nevada. Pahranagat's water originates from large springs to the north of the refuge and its waters support various types of wetland habitats favored by over 230 species of migratory birds and other resident wildlife. The refuge has four main water impoundments: North Marsh, Upper and Lower Pahranagat Lakes, and the Middle Marsh. The Pahranagat Refuge is dominated by Upper and Lower Pahranagat Lakes, offering good fishing and non-motorized boating opportunity during most months except for the heart of summer when the waters of the lakes may be low or even dry. Birdwatching is a popular activity, with a bird list available at the refuge offices. Visitors should check with the Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge offices for more detailed information on rules & regulations governing activities on the lakes & surrounding lands of the refuge.
Kershaw-Ryan State Park
Kershaw-Ryan State Park is situated in colorful Rainbow canyon. Located three miles south of Caliente, just off US Route 93, Kershaw-Ryan State Park is only 25 miles west of the Utah border in Lincoln County. Covering 240 acres, Kershaw-Ryan State Park's steep canyon walls tower over a long, narrow valley, with elevations ranging from 4300-5000 feet above sea level. Early settlers here cultivated a garden of grape vines, trees, and grassy lawn surrounding a spring-fed pond, providing a sharp contrast to the rugged landscape. The deep canyons of Rainbow Canyon and Kershaw Canyon were created by water eroding across the terrain, carving deep channels into the bedrock. As recently as 10,000 years ago, vast lakes engulfed the Meadow Valley Wash south of Rainbow Canyon. As the lakes drained and the land uplifted, the flowing water created deep canyons. Flash floods are common in Kershaw Canyon. Visitors to Kershaw-Ryan State Park will find good hiking trails that bring them to the heart of scenic Rainbow Canyon which range from 1/2 to 1 mile in length. Visitors should check with the local state park ranger for more detailed information on hikes and park amenities, rules & regulations.
Beaver Dam State Park
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. Beaver Dam State Park sits around 5000 feet above sea level and encompasses 2,393-acres filled with deep canyons, pinion and juniper forests, flowing streams and a small reservoir. The park is located approximately 34 miles east of Caliente and adjacent to the Utah border, reached 28 miles of graded gravel roads off US Route 93. Visitors to Beaver Dam State Park will find good fishing opportunity on spring fed Schroeder Reservoir and surrounding streams which are stocked annually with Rainbow trout, with Desert Suckers and Golden Shiner fish are also locally abundant. For visitors looking to hike, there is a small, developed trail system at Beaver Dam, including an interpretive nature trail. Visitors to Beaver Dam should check with the local state park ranger for more information about specific trails and rules & regulations that govern the park.
Other Attractions
Cathedral Gorge State Park
Cathedral Gorge State Park is located within a long, narrow valley where erosion has carved dramatic and unique patterns in the soft bentonite clay, a mile north of Panaca just off of US Route 93. Trails abound for exploring the buff-colored cliffs and canyons of Cathedral Gorge, called the Panaca Formation, which are remnants of a Pliocene-era lakebed. The "caves" area designated on the east side of the Gorge are not true caves but the canyon walls narrow down so much that explorers feel like they are in caves. Visitors can hike on a variety of trails in Cathedral Gorge State Park which range in length from 1/2 mile to 7 miles and in difficulty from an easy stroll to moderately difficult. Visitors should check with the a local state park ranger for more information on hike specifics, and park rules & regulations.
Echo Canyon State Recreation Area
Echo Canyon State Park Echo Canyon is located just off of US Route 93, 12 miles east of Pioche via State Routes 322 and 323. Echo Canyon, encompassing just over 1000 acres and sitting at 5,200 feet above sea level, is dominated by a stream fed 65-acre reservoir hemmed by high walls of volcanic tuff. Visitors will find excellent fishing opportunity in Echo Canyon's reservoir as the waters are stocked with rainbow trout with other fish populations here including largemouth bass and crappie, and an occasional German brown trout. Outdoor enthusiasts looking for a good hike will find plenty to choose from at Echo Canyon, as well with a vast backcountry area open for exploration. Visitors visiting Echo Canyon State Park should check with the local state park ranger for more information regarding trail specifics, and park rules & regulations.
Spring Valley State Park
Spring Valley State Park offers water oriented recreation at the 65 acre spring fed Eagle Valley Reservoir, located just off US Route 93, 18 miles east of Pioche via State Route 322. Boating, fishing for Grebe, Rainbow trout and Cutthroat trout and hiking are popular ways to spend a day in the 1281 acre state park, which sits at 6000 feet above sea level. Visitors should check with the local state park ranger for more information regarding trails & park rules & regulations.