The town of Caliente is steeped in history and well-known for its outdoor activities, especially in the cycling community.

As of the mid 2020s, there are approximately 30 miles of single-track mountain bike trails in and around the town attracting mountain bikers from all across the country.  Every year, there are several large, motorized races and events hosted in Caliente on thousands of miles of off-road tracks and trails.  For rock climbers, Rainbow Canyon and Big Rocks Wilderness offer a wide variety of rock-climbing routes.

Outdoor activities also abound at the nearby Kershaw-Ryan State Park, about 11 miles south on the NV-317 from Caliente.   It features hiking and mountain biking trails, campgrounds, volleyball courts, picnic pavilions, horseshoe pits, a playground and a natural swimming pool. The park also attracts a wide variety of wildlife including deer, wild horses, mountain lions, bobcats, foxes, coyotes and many types of birds from hummingbirds to hawks.

As you venture around the quaint town, a historical landmark you can’t miss is the Caliente Railroad Depot which houses a museum, city and government offices.

If you’ve come this far to visit Caliente, plan on spending a little extra time for a trip to Oak Springs Summit where you will find Trilobites, a crablike shaped fossil found in the shale deposits.  Just travel 12 miles west of Caliente on Hwy 93 and you’ll find a dirt road turn-off on the right.

No matter what your interests are, you’ll find an exciting, memorable experience in Caliente!

From Las Vegas, take the I-15 North, then take the US-93 North for 115 miles.

From Reno, the distance is approximately 421 miles.  The best route is to take the US-95 South to Tonopah, then take US-6 East to Hwy 375 South which dead ends into US-93 and go left for about 42 miles.

Bring the appropriate gear for whatever sport you may be participating in

For those searching for Trilobites, be sure to bring gloves, a pickaxe or a rock hammer with a chisel sharp blade

Be prepared for the weather – it can vary from very hot to very cold depending on the time of year

Bring sun protection – a hat & protective glasses — and plenty of water

In 1901, Culverwell Ranch was initially given the name “Calientes” due to the hot springs in the area, but the “s” was removed from the name later in the year when the post office was erected.

In 1905, the Union Pacific Railroad was completed and in 1923, its Spanish mission architecture train depot was finished.  It currently houses a museum and is home to city and county offices.  The Caliente population peak of over 5,000 residents declined in the late 1940s due to rail dieselization.

In the 1870s, Samuel and Hannah Kershaw homesteaded the area planting orchards and crops that were irrigated by the natural springs.  At the turn of the 20^th century, James Ryan purchased the property and enjoyed the beauty so much he wanted to preserve it for future generations, so he donated it to the state for use as a public park.

In 1935, Kershaw-Ryan became one of Nevada’s first four state parks.   Today, apple, plum, apricot, peach and cherry trees shade the picnic areas of the park.  The landscape attracts a wide variety of wildlife.

For nature and wildlife lovers, plus outdoor activity enthusiasts, these areas are a must travel destination!