Echo Canyon State Park

Echo Canyon State Park is a 1,080 acre Nevada state park in Lincoln County, Nevada. Located about 15 miles east of the town of Pioche, the state park is built around the 65-acre Echo Canyon Reservoir. It is in the Eastern Nevada Region of Nevada State Parks. Echo Canyon Dam was built in 1969-70, and is the furthest downstream dam on the Meadow Valley Wash.

The scenic area around Echo Canyon (el. 5100’) has several ranches and farms. The park has campsites, a picnic area and fishing.

History

Archaeologists believe this area was occupied as long ago as 5,500 BC. However, without evidence of any permanent dwellings, it appears the area served only for seasonal hunting and gathering camps. A few artifacts and petroglyph's found around the park indicate the presence of more recent Shoshone groups, including the modern Southern Paiute. It is important for all visitors to know that State and Federal laws protect all artifacts and rock art. They should be left undisturbed for future generations to enjoy.

Mormon pioneers settled this part of Eastern Nevada in 1864. Local Paiutes showed them silver ores and their name for the rock, "Panaker," was used to name the town Panaca. In the late 1860's a small smelter and mill were built in Dry Valley, not far from Echo Canyon. The small tent camp was called Moodyville and boasted a population of 60 in 1872. A severe windstorm destroyed the camp in 1873 and nothing remains of the site. Farmers and ranchers permanently settled Dry Valley by the late 1870's. Today, alfalfa is the valley's primary crop, seen growing in the fields below the dam.

Agriculture continues to be an important factor in Lincoln County's economy, and was the reason for the construction of Echo Canyon Dam. Built in 1969-70, the dam was developed by Lincoln County for water storage and flood control, with a side benefit of water-based recreation. After completion of the campground and group use area, the Division of State Parks assumed operations in 1970. The 65-acre reservoir is stocked with rainbow trout by the Nevada Division of Wildlife. Other fish include largemouth bass and crappie, and an occasional German brown trout. The 1080-acre park is open year round. Visitors may purchase gas, groceries and fishing licenses in Pioche.

External links

* [http://parks.nv.gov/ec.htm Echo Canyon State Park website]