Discover Nevada’s Newest State Park: Walker River State Recreation Area to open Sept. 22
YERINGTON — The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announced Monday that Nevada’s newest state park, the Walker River State Recreation Area, will officially open to the public at the Pitchfork Ranch on Saturday, Sept. 22.
The century-old Pitchfork Ranch, located near Yerington, Nev., is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, with 7 miles of the celebrated East Walker River open for exploration. Visitors are invited to experience camping, hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, kayaking, fishing, or simply relaxing in an idyllic country setting.
“The Walker River State Recreation Area is truly a gift that will have an enduring impact for generations to come and is a testament of Nevada’s celebrated outdoor heritage,” Eric Johnson, Administrator of Nevada State Parks said. “We are thrilled to be opening the newest state park to our fellow Nevadans – and visitors from all over.”
The public is invited to join park staff for a special grand opening celebration on Saturday, September 22 at the Pitchfork Ranch for a fun-filled day of activities including: Dutch-oven cooking, archery, fishing clinics, nature walks, hay rides, children’s games and a barbecue.
WHAT: Walker River State Recreation Area Grand Opening
WHEN: Saturday, September 22, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
WHERE: Pitchfork Ranch, 211 East Walker Road, Yerington, Nevada
COST: The park entrance fee is waived for this event.
The Walker River State Recreation Area is rugged and vast, spanning more than 12,000 acres of rustic rangeland along 28 miles of the picturesque East Walker River. The State of Nevada benefitted from an extraordinary opportunity to acquire land to establish this new state park. The acquisition includes several large ranch properties that have been largely closed to public access for over 100 years.
Today, they afford the potential for a vibrant outdoor experience that no other single Nevada State Park can provide. The new state park includes four units: the Pitchfork Ranch, Rafter 7 Ranch, Flying M Ranch and the Nine Mile Ranch. The park units will open to the public over time, as development and infrastructure is completed. Currently, the Pitchfork Ranch and the Elbow section of the Nine Mile Ranch are open for exploration. Announcements will be made as phased development in completed.
The Flying M Ranch is currently under a life estate agreement and is not planned for development at this time.
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