Wild Horse State Recreation Area

Our final Nevada State Park, Wild Horse State Recreation Area, is located on the northeast side of the reservoir about 65 miles north of Elko, NV. And, despite not offering much to do (unless you like to fish), it’s so beautiful, it’s definitely a must see. For us, it is a great place to relax and catch up on some of the things we’ve been neglecting over the past few weeks.

Snow covered Ruby Mountains

On the way to Wild Horse, we stop for lunch in Elko, Nevada; and in the distance we catch sight of the snow covered Ruby Mountains. We hiked in these mountains last year and thought they were beautiful, but seeing them covered in snow is something else.

Humboldt National Forest

As we proceed north from Elko, we get a few other incredible views of snow covered peaks in the southwest portion of the Humboldt National Forest.

Until we come across a view that is so stunning it looks fake.

The other experience we have on our trip north, is a roadway covered in crickets. Luckily, we met a really nice couple at our last stop who warned that this may be possible. They said, “it’s gets so bad at some times of the year, they’ve actually used snow plows to clear the roads.”

Wild Horse Reservoir

Once we reach Wild Horse State Recreation Area, we immediately pull into our campsite to be greeted with this view of McAfee Peak…

Looking at this view out our windows and from our covered picnic table for the next few days, definitely won’t be a hardship.

Once we’ve set up camp and settle in, we decide to take a walk around the campground. Shortly after we leave, we hear thunder and begin to feel a few sprinkles, so we head back to camp. After light rain for about 10 minutes, it stops and we head back out to finish our walk, only to see this view as we exit the camper…

Sunrise and wildlife

After a very pleasant nights sleep, we’re awoken very early (about 5 am) to the sound of a very selfish neighbor’s generator. But, it does give us the opportunity to see the sunrise reflecting the snow capped mountains on the reservoir outside our window…

And a little later, we see some Pronghorn in the meadow just north of the campground.

And later still, we’re treated to an incredible sunset.

Wild Horse Loop Trail

Our first foray exploring the park, is to take the Wild Horse Loop Trail. As we begin the path we turn back to see the camper framed by Mount McAfee.

A little further around we get a good picture of the Visitor Center with “The Mahoganies” in the background.

Once we approach the visitor center, we begin to see several pieces of antique farm equipment stationed around the exterior.

There are a few exhibits inside the visitor center; but our main purpose here is to get the final stamp in our Nevada State Parks Passport. The passport is a really cool thing the Nevada State Park System does to encourage visitors.

If you collect 15 stamps, you can get a free annual parks pass (currently worth $100), or you can apply it toward an all access pass which includes dry camping. We’ve had the all access pass for two years and have loved exploring all 27 Nevada State Parks, the surrounding areas, and everything in-between. I really wish other states would do something similar.

Next, we continue past the visitor center toward The Mahoganies and run across a little wildlife along the way.

On the way back, we get a view over the southeastern edge of the reservoir toward the town of Wild Horse.

We also get a very good view of the campground as a whole.

As we reach the second loop of the campground we begin to see some of the wildflowers the Rangers in the visitor center told us this park was known for.

And then we come upon the boat ramp; which has a floating dock. We are lucky enough to catch it when the water is smooth as glass, providing an incredible reflection.

In the evening, we’re treated to another incredible sunset.

Wild Horse Dam

After good night’s sleep, we decide to head out in the truck to explore the area outside the park. Our first stop is Wild Horse Dam.

Built in 1969 and named for the wild horses that once roamed the area, the dam is 90 feet tall. And due to the amount of water currently in the reservoir, we’re also able to see a really nice waterfall.

Owyhee River

Next, we continue north along the road to explore a little of the gorge the Owyhee River has cut through the mountains. Luckily, there are several pullouts along the road specifically for this purpose.

Northern end of Reservoir

As we turn back toward camp, we stop to take pictures of the northern end of the reservoir, where you can camp right on the shoreline courtesy of the Shoshone-Paiute tribe.

Hendrick’s Creek

Across from this area, we see Hendrick’s Creek where we find a few fisherman and some White Pelicans with a backdrop of The Mahoganies.

Penrod Creek

Next we head south, past the campground toward the community of Wild Horse. Our goal is to visit the Wild Horse Wetland Area for some wildlife viewing; but unfortunately it’s inaccessible. However, we do get a nice view of the Penrod Creek flowing into the reservoir.

Wildlife

On the way back to camp we spot some wildlife moving through the grass opposite the park entrance. So, we go investigate and find a small group of Pronghorn as well as an Osprey nest.

It’s now time to head back to camp for some lunch and to enjoy relaxing afternoon in the shade while taking in our gorgeous view.

And while we’re doing just that, we hear something rustling in the bushes. It’s a grouse with two chicks (lower right of the picture below). They’re making enough noise they’ve caught the attention of something else as well.

Next stop… Birds of Prey & Sand Dunes in Bruneau