Nevada Backroaders

Hi all,

I just saw a post about Caliente and it got me thinking about Beaver Dam. It used to be one of my favorite places to camp in eastern Nevada. A few years ago the dam was damaged and the Division of Wildlife removed the dam.

I haven't been there since and I was wondering if anyone else has been there? I'm thinking about heading up there again just to look around. I'd love to hear from anyone who's been there recently.

Here's the reservoir.



Here's the spillway on the back of the dam.



Here's a real beaver's dam just downstream of the big dam.



I'm sure the area is still pretty, but it won't be the same.

Joanne

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Project Desert Dawg - Watch as I build my own camping trailer!
http://www.camp-cook.com - Like to camp? Like to eat? This is the place!

Hey Joanne,

Me and a few other wheeler's camped up there in July 2006. Here is the link to the pictures if you are interested in taking a look. I would have much rather seen it they way your pictures show. But, it is still a nice place to go, explore, camp, etc.

Just click on the pic...

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2002 Jeep Wrangler X, ARB's, 4.5" RE lift, 35" KM2's, built to crawl on rocks

Joe,

Thanks for the update!

My photo - Then:


Joe's photo - Now:



Joanne

_________________
Project Desert Dawg - Watch as I build my own camping trailer!
http://www.camp-cook.com - Like to camp? Like to eat? This is the place!

State Parks breached the dam due to fears of high waters spilling over and flooding after some heavy spring rains. Fears fueled mostly by the floods the year before in Caliente and Rainbow Canyon. As you can tell, it wasn't really that deep . Back in the day, the trail head was about where the lake started, but years of silt had filled it up. Supposedly they are trying to figure out a way to save the park, since visitation dropped something like 70% the following year.


Likely by the time they do anything, it will be too late.

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All Jeep trails had to first be Scouted.

1978 IH Scout II Lifted, locked, blah,blah,blah.
2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Her car.
1992 Ford F350 XLT 4x4

I realize that they had limited options on how to deal with the threat, but it's really sad that we lost that jewel in the desert. Because it was a bit off the beaten path, we avoided the monster land yaughts and a majority of the yokels.

It seems unlikely that there will be much the state can do to "save" the park though. I'll probably head out there sometime this year to see it in person.

Joanne

_________________
Project Desert Dawg - Watch as I build my own camping trailer!
http://www.camp-cook.com - Like to camp? Like to eat? This is the place!

If it is during the weekend and you may or may not be camping up there, please post it prior. I may want to tag along. I know a really fun, all off road, way to get there and would like to go again sometime if interested. Thanks!!!

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2002 Jeep Wrangler X, ARB's, 4.5" RE lift, 35" KM2's, built to crawl on rocks

BTW, LCTC moved the mechanized part of the June Trails Day to Sept. I'm working on plans right now, but hope to run from Pioche to Deer Lodge (Hackett's Ranch) and the GT of Fay along the Utah border. Depends right now if I can get there with out running into the ATV's, but if I can go the route I want, it will have lots of history and good sites to see.

_________________
All Jeep trails had to first be Scouted.

1978 IH Scout II Lifted, locked, blah,blah,blah.
2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Her car.
1992 Ford F350 XLT 4x4

They are tossing around the idea of making a trail system for hiking and mountain biking, possibly ATV use as well. Many want to see the lake return, but there are claims it's not needed (it's original intention was flood control) and there are some greenies fighting the damming of water again anyway I hear.

It was a nice spot though. I felt the price to camp was high for the amenities, but they had nice primitive spots nearby.

_________________
All Jeep trails had to first be Scouted.

1978 IH Scout II Lifted, locked, blah,blah,blah.
2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Her car.
1992 Ford F350 XLT 4x4