Walker River State Recreation Area
Winter 2024-2025
Discover a park made for nearly endless exploration.
BY MEGG MUELLER
In 1862, a wagon bounced over a stretch of dusty road from the booming mining town of Aurora to Nine Mile Ranch, just outside soon-to-be Yerington. On board was Samuel Clemens (aka Mark Twain) racing to the aid of his seriously ill friend, Captain John Nye who owned the ranch. Nye recovered, but the trip cost Clemens a sizeable fortune. He lost his claim due to his absence. Clemens’ trek to Nine Mile Ranch was a costly one, but today, the benefits of visiting the area far outweigh any cost.
The ranch is just one small part of the Walker River State Recreation Area (Walker River SRA) which opened in 2018.
A Monumental Gift
Walker River SRA was a 12,000-acre donation from the Walker River Conservancy to the state that encompasses more than 29 miles of the East Walker River. The conservancy originally purchased the land in its effort to restore water to Walker Lake. The donation included some areas that haven’t been available to the public for more than 100 years, including a handful of historic ranches that are slowly being incorporated into the park experience.
The Pitchfork Ranch—the main park entrance 10 miles south of Yerington—is the park headquarters and includes a visitor center and shaded picnic areas. Two campgrounds—one dry, the other with RV hook ups—are available, as is a group campground.
Four homey cabins are located a mile from the visitor center and offer a respite for those seeking a more temperate (i.e., heated or air conditioned) experience. These small, self-contained units can sleep a surprising number of guests and offer a step up from tent camping with a small kitchen, eating area, full bath, and two sleeping areas. The cabins have river access and connect to the nature walk that takes you into the park.
Nine Mile Ranch is located along a bend in the Walker River known as The Elbow. The area is a highlight for both history buffs and anglers. Kit Carson and Captain John C. Fremont camped there in 1844, and the ranch was a major stage stop between Carson City and Aurora. The Elbow is one of the finest fishing spots in the state and prime territory to catch brown and rainbow trout.
Future Plans
With so much unfettered space, big plans await Walker River SRA. More campgrounds, more cabins, trails and more trails, and increased access to the river are just a few of the upcoming projects.
The park’s ranches also await their own makeovers. Flying-M Ranch is perhaps the most famous ranch as it was owned by Barron Hilton (of the Hilton Hotel empire). A playground/retreat for the rich and famous—including astronauts Buzz Aldrin and Chuck Yeager and actors Morgan Freeman and Cliff Robertson—the ranch will be developed for park visitors once a provision in Hilton’s will expires.
The Rafter 7 Ranch area is set to offer camping, kayaking/floating, cabin rentals, and meeting rooms when its development is completed.
Wide Open Discovery
The East Walker River is a lush area that snakes through the surrounding landscape. Home to an abundance of wildlife, you’ll likely spot Mule deer, herds of antelope and bighorn sheep, as well as an amazing variety of birds, including the endangered sage grouse.
You can drive throughout the park, access the river at many locations, and marvel in the beauty of this largely untouched region. It’s a state park where you can find yourself in such exquisite solitude for the day, then retire to the peaceful pace of the campground for the night.