Rye Patch State Recreation Area

Following our usual pattern, we’ve found a small, out of the way campground to hide during the craziness of the Memorial Day holiday weekend. Rye Patch State Recreation Area (SRA) is not a place you would just stumble across, you actually have to make the effort to be here. So, we expect it will be the perfect place for us.

Trinity Nevada

On the way to Rye Patch SRA, we stop for lunch in Trinity, Nevada and find a few historical markers letting us know we’re traveling the same path the California-bound emigrants took in covered wagons during the mid 1800’s. We’re just north of the Forty Mile Desert; which was a barren stretch of water-less wasteland along the California Trail. The emigrants that survived this stretch of the trail, equated it to “traveling through hell.” The loss of life and property was astounding.

Humboldt State Wildlife Management Area

Just north of here we catch a glimpse of a very large dust devil in the Humboldt State Wildlife Management Area.

We were hoping to be able to explore a little ways into this area; but unfortunately it’s closed to vehicles. So, we have to settle for a picture from the road.

Rye Patch State Recreation Area

Joining the Nevada State Park System in 1971, the park was named after a nearby, tiny town; which got it’s name for a patch of Rye Grass growing along the Central Pacific Railroad. The railroad still runs today, and you can hear the trail whistle at all times throughout of the day and night.

Reservoir

Just past the entry to the park, we get our first look at the reservoir as we cross the dam. The water is a very unusual, light blue.

This is the southern end of the 22 mile long reservoir. There’s 72 miles of shoreline and over 11,000 acres of water surface when full.

Rye Patch Dam

Built in 1936, this 75 foot high, earth-filled dam was constructed to control flooding and provide increased irrigation. It can hold more than 200,000 acre-feet of water.

River Campground

Located behind the dam, and well below the reservoir, this small campground is nestled along the bank of the Humboldt River. You have to descend a short, winding road to access it; which provides an incredible view across the river valley to the mountains beyond, as well as providing shelter from the wind.

Westside Campground

Our first day exploring the park, we decide to head out on the bikes. We begin by stopping at the Westside Campground. The campsites here are much closer together, and given the day use picnic & boat launch are also here, we’re definitely glad we’re in the other, much quieter campground.

Old Emigrant Trail

After leaving the Westside Campground, we head north along the Old Emigrant Road toward the northern end of the reservoir. The landscape is so wide open, it’s easy to imagine what people were feeling as they came through here during the 1800’s in covered wagons. The amount of faith and determination they had to have to be able to keep going is eye opening.

As we get further up the road, we branch off to the right and take a small trail down to the reservoir. After getting through some pretty deep sand, we reach another section of the reservoir and a locked gate that let’s us know we can go no further.

After a lovely day on the bikes, we head back to camp for some much needed food and relaxation.

Nature Trail

Our next adventure is to explore the hiking trails in the park. They’re aren’t many; and in fact the first one we go to, has a sign on it saying private property, no trespassing. So, we head to the Nature Trail instead; which takes us past the picnic/ group tent camping area as well as gives us a fantastic view of the Humboldt River.

West Hiking Trail

Next, we head to the West Hiking Trial; which takes us along the western shore of the reservoir up to the Westside Campground. The trail is pretty rough, and very steep in places…

…but does afford us some really incredible overhead shots of the reservoir.

After a very peaceful and enjoyable weekend exploring the park, it’s time to head further north. But, not before getting a shot of the wind creating whitecaps on the reservoir. It’s going to be a windy drive.

Next stop… Wild Horse State Recreation Area