Ranch Campground Trail, NV

Overview
This trail circumnavigates an interesting volcanic outcropping above the marsh-filled valley below. Good views to the valley, fun scampering among the rock formations, and several springs.

History
The story goes that this area was named Spring Valley by the Mormon pioneers after they counted 125+ springs in a single day. Several families settled here and began farming. With the long winters and saturated soil in the valley bottom, however, only very hardy crops survived. The families ended up making money by cutting ice blocks from the marsh and selling them in the booming mining town of Pioche. One of the original stone cabins has been restored quite nicely, and is occasionally open to visitors.

With so much water around, people have been living in the area since at least 5500 BCE. Flakes and intact points, pottery, and pit houses have all been found in the immediate area, but have not been studied much.

Hike
The trail starts out by heading up a minor rocky draw to gain the pinon and juniper covered ridge. The trail then travels gently up and down, generally heading the washes. Soon, the trail heads into the rocks, weaving around a giant outcropping and eventually breaking out to cliff-top views of the valley. More great rock formations, and then the trail drops along the perennial flow from a spring to a historic stone cabin. The trail ends at the cabin. You can either return the way you came or walk back along the road.

Water Sources
Several springs, but this is a short hike, so just bring a reasonable supply with you.

Check out the Official Route and Triplog.

Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community.

2013-10-09 autumnstars