PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Echo Canyon is located about 12 miles east of Pioche on State Route 323. The park is looking to

improve their campgrounds, and plan for future overall park improvements.

These improvements include:

• 24 site campground• power, water and septic at all sites• a restroom and shower complex• pave existing roads and additional paved roads• hiking, walking and biking trails• wildlife viewing areas• landscaping with irrigation• boat dock and habitat structures in the reservoir• re-vegetation of 200 acres and enhancement of the stream and areas around the reservoir• potential small cabins for rent

The increasing numbers of campers and day use visitors has made this addition necessary. There have been calls for additional trails and viewing areas, as well as camping facilities, from both long term and short term visitors making use of the park. Local residents as well as visitors from outside the County take advantage of the facilities offered – camping, picnicking, hiking, etc. This project will enhance the long term viability and opportunities for recreational enthusiasts at Echo Canyon Park.

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ECHO CANYONS t a t e P a r k

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

Goal 1: Allow users of the park to have seamless accessibility from the access roads to the trails while

enhancing the natural beauty of the park and allowing the users to experience the park with ease.

Objective 1: Provided native revegetation along all access corridors that enhances the natural

beauty of the sites

Objective 2: Create and update trails throughout the park allowing a spectrum of users, from ADA

accessible trails to advanced hiking trails

Objective 3: Create signage and way-finding features throughout the park

Goal 2: Create opportunities for safe and fun recreation areas that protect the wildlife and allow for

educational happenings to occur.

Objective 1: Create an area where boats can be docked with easy access to the main road

Objective 2: Create a reservoir loop trail that has fishing and educational outcroppings that

connect seamlessly to trails and campgrounds

Objective 3: Provide areas for families to have passive recreation opportunities near the reservoir

that are safe for children

Goal 3: Improve all campground and group picnic areas to accommodate all types of users of the park.

Objective 1: Create campgrounds that hold 20 or more sites with a restroom complex, grilling

stations, picnic tables and shade

Objective 2: Allow all picnic and group areas to connect to different types of trails and have access

to the reservoir.

Objective 3: Create campgrounds that will accommodated many different uses and group sizes.

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ECHO CANYON

INVENTORY AND INITIAL OBSERVATIONS We began our inventory and analysis with various online sources, arial photos, and maps of the

area. Eventually, we were also able to get topography and slope analysis maps, soils maps, and various user

information about the park. We received a proposal packet from Nevada State Parks that included the

estimated number of uses, wildlife data, user preferences, and other relevant information. Unfortunately

some of this data was about 20 years old and may not be accurate. After compiling this data we looked at

the existing amenities in the park and the various requests for park improvements. We found that there was

a need for improvements to Echo Canyon and we created criteria for where those improvements should take

place. Our original analysis criteria was changed several times as we learned and understood more about

the site.

These criteria include:

• Slopes for campsites

• 0-5% Suitable but not particularly interesting to the users.

• 5-10% Most suitable. This grade provides some topographical interest and views, but it is

still manageable for constructing a campsite.

• 10-15% Not Suitable. While building on this grade is feasible we felt that a site at this

slope would require too much cut, fill, and other site preparation.

• Slopes for hiking

• 0-5% Easy walking trails. These trails typically follow the reservoir and water way. They

are great for families and users with limited mobility.

• 5-15% Moderate trails. This trail designation may include some sections of steeper slopes

but the majority of the trail falls within this range. Distance also plays a role in this

designation, and the existing ash trail falls into this category.

• 15%+ Difficult trails. These trails have long sections of step grade and difficult terrain,

and scrambling may be necessary. While the ash rim trail did have some of these features

it was not for long sections or particularly exposed areas. We don’t believe that an area in

the park will need this trail designation.

• Soils suitability. We created soils maps that outlined suitable, somewhat suitable, and unsuitable

areas for trails, and campsites. This information was collected from the USDA and the details of

their specific criteria for the ratings was not made available. Because we did not know what the

USDA was basing their recommendations on the soils studies did not carry as much weight in

our analysis as other factors did.

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ECHO CANYON

• Views. Our views analysis was based on a few criteria.

• Available positive views. Including rock formations, the reservoir, stream, and expansive

views to the SW.

• Shielded views. These are areas that may be a good location for utilities or even campsites

because they are largely shielded by topography so as to not have such a visible impact

on the natural landscape.

ANALYSIS AND SUGGESTIONS With our collective data we began to overlay various maps to find the areas that are most suitable

for various activities.

Hiking Trails:

For the trails plan we looked at soils, topography, and views and began to lay out areas that would

provide users with the most enjoyable and interesting experience.

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ECHO CANYON

Camping Soils Trail Soils

Camping Topo

Hiking Topo

Trails around the reservoir and stream

provided very easy and safe access while still

providing plenty of interest and beauty. However in

the stream areas we did find 2 items that need

improvement. First was overgrowth and second was

suitable trails. Upstream there are large amounts of

overgrowth that deter and even prevent users from

accessing the stream. In some areas the growth is so

thick that it prevents people from even seeing that

water. While some of this growth is wanted and

needed we recommend cutting some of the growth

out at strategic points. This would provide access to

the stream to interested users while still maintaining the natural beauty and beneficial properties of the plant

life. Our second recommendation correlates closely to the previous one. Along the stream there are very few

places where one can walk comfortably. The soil along the stream is very saturated and muddy making it

difficult to approach the water. We recommend building a boardwalk or gabion section of trail along the

stream for the enjoyment of the user and the protection of wildlife. This trail section would keep users out of

the mud which would improve the water quality for the fish life. The trail would also be a much safer and

enjoyable place to use. This section would be perfect for nature watchers, families, stream fishers, and those

with limited mobility. The reduced overgrowth in this area would also free up some of the waterway and

provide additional habitat for stream fish like rainbow trout.

For the ash canyon trail we overlaid our various criteria maps and found some sections of the

trail that did not fit within the criteria. Some sections of the trail were not on the best soil and other sections

were to steep (this according to our specifications). However, after hiking the trail we saw that at times you

have to throw criteria and analysis out the window. We found that the existing ash canyon trail is a great

trail for the more moderate hikers. It was interesting, beautiful, and fun and our only recommendation is a

few more way-finding signs on the first half of the trial. It wasn't always clear if we were on the right trail or

not because there were a few places where the trail split. Also at the top of the switchbacks there is a

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ECHO CANYON

View from proposed ash canyon trail lookout

wonderful view of the whole valley and we recommend the construction of a lookout point with a map to

orient ones-self. Lastly some of the numbered signs and railings inside the canyon were in disrepair and may

need attention soon. Otherwise the Ash Canyon Trail is wonderful and should be capitalized on to draw

more visitors.

A potential trail (whose difficulty rating

would fall between the Ash Canyon Trial and the

Reservoir Trail) is located along a south ridge that

lies below the large cliff faces. Originally we felt that

the top of the cliffs on the south end of the park

would be a great location for a hike and lookout. But

upon further examination we felt that the lower shelf

would be equally if not more interesting. Large

expansive views can be enjoyed from the ash trail

and we feel that this southern trail should capitalize

on the opportunity to walk beside large vertical cliff

faces. Also, at the highest point on this proposed

trail one can still capture vast views to the SW. While the trail head could be located in the proposed group

use area or the new campsites we propose that the trail will be more interesting if approached from the other

direction. Therefor the trail head will begin as a spur off of the stream trail and head south and west up to

the lower ridge-line. once on the ridge the trail will head west following the ridge and cliff face until it exits

the canyon and overlooks the reservoir to the west. The trail will then head south and west again (perhaps

down switchbacks) and end at the group use or campground area.

Campsites:

For the campsite analysis we looked at topography, soils, distance from the reservoir, and views to

and from the campsite. We also payed close attention to its proximity to the other campsites and the visual

and environmental impacts of an additional campground. Ben Johnson asked us to not only design a new

campsite, but multiple cabin sites as well, and all of these elements were considered while designing.

The State Parks Devision had already chosen a site for additional campgrounds which they

located on the south side of the reservoir in the eastern most valley. Our analysis showed that the campsite

would fit fine in the valley the park had chosen. This valley comes off of the south east end of the reservoir

and is relatively flat (falling within the 0-5% slope for much of the area). This was our first choice as well, but

during a site visit we noticed that this area has less natural vegetation and juniper tree coverage than the

valley just west. The next valley over has slightly steeper topography and much more tree coverage.

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ECHO CANYON

Therefor we feel that the more westerly valley is better suited for a campsite and/or cabins. The existing

road that travels up this second canyon can be utilized so there will be less site disturbance required at this

location as well.

After considering various options and planning for the cabins as well as the campsites, we

recommend placing the campsites in the previously determined area. The eastern most valley will be a great

location because of its isolation from the other campsites, proximity to the reservoir, proximity to trails, and

the low slope will be easily managed for camping. As we are trying to attract more users we feel that the

slope of this site will be beneficial to those in motor-homes and people pulling “toy haulers” as they will not

be struggling with uneven ground or tight corners caused from topography constraints. However this site

would need the addition of landscaping to provide sufficient shade to the site. We also recommend placing

the campsite on the far west end of the valley, abutting the next hill. The hill will provide early shade in the

summer as well as shield some of the negative views of the campsite from rout 323.

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ECHO CANYON

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The valley that lies directly to

the west is our proposed location for

the cabin sites. This valley is ideally

suited for the cabins for various

reasons. First, the existing road will

work well for the cabins. Smaller

branching roads or driveways can come off the main road and few additional grades will need to be created.

So (unlike most camping sites) a loop road will not be needed for these cabins. Second, we feel that the

steeper topography can be utilized better with cabins rather than standard tent sites. The cabins can be built

to compliment and work with the topography and frame specific views from the inside. Also this particular

valley is a little tighter and the cabins can be placed closer together while still providing privacy. The natural

tree cover in this area should be sufficient but some imported trees may be needed. In any case care should

be taken to not damage the exiting

trees, and proper transplantation

methods should be used to keep as

many as possible.

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At the north eastern end of Echo Canyon proper, we propose a small camping site for those users

who would like to be slightly isolated from the rest. We also propose a small tent only campsite at the base of

the cliffs around where the stream passes under the road. This site would be perfect for those who like to be

isolated and enjoy a more traditional style of camping. The analysis does suggest that this site should be

small do to its proximity to the road and stream, and it is located further away from the general reservoir

which raises the issues of supervision.

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Day Use:

In order to attract new users

and generate more revenue for the

park we suggest constructing a large

day-use area and additional

amenities like an amphitheater and

dinning area. By providing non-

traditional amenities the park will

attract a broader base of users.

These users may include boy scout,

girl scout, and youth groups, large

family gatherings like family

reunions, ATV groups, and silver

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state trail users. The day use area that we have designed includes a large play area, gathering area/ fire pit,

and a eating area or mess hall. In order for this area to be successful we felt that it must be close to the

waters edge so that it could be used for many activities. While parents are preparing food or just resting in

the shade, they need to be in close proximity to their kids who will probably be playing by the water. This

day-use area provides that proximity as well as many other amenities. If a large group visits the park it this

area will provide the necessary space to accommodate them and their activities. The large fire-pit with

amphitheater seating will create a gathering place in the evening and it will also serve as a great location for

community events or park activities. The day use area was placed just north of the proposed campgrounds

and in close proximity to the cabins as well. While this location may not easily serve everyone we feel it is

best because it is well away from rout 323 and at the end of the reservoir road so it is in the safest location

possible.

Fish and Wildlife:

There is a need for fish and wildlife habitat in the reservoir so some method of providing that was

needed. After looking at many options we purport that a permanent solution is preferable because in the

long run it will mature better, provide more stability and habitat, and be more cost effective. Due to the

fluctuating water levels in the reservoir (about 20 ft annually) the habitat solution will have to account for this

and still be functional. In researching this topic we looked ant gabion wall construction and feel that this may

provide the best solution for the park. If constructed properly, plants can grow within them, alcoves can be

created for fish, and they may be used as walkways or fishing docs when the water levels are low. Besides

wildlife habitat these structures would also provide great educational and viewing opportunities. We propose

putting these structures along the reservoir bottom at various levels. Some of these structures may even rise

onto the shore to provide connectivity to the

concept and an esthetically pleasing

environment. As the water level recedes these

gabion bands would become exposed and the

foliage would begin to show through the

waters surface. This would alert boaters to

the danger and help them locate the fishing

habitat. As the water recedes further the

actual structure would start to show and

users people could walk on them, using them

as docs, fishing structures, or trails. These

elements could provide real interest to the

park while being functional at the same time.

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CONCLUSION Overall we feel that these improvements would make the park a destination and a real pleasure to

those who visit. State parks in general need to update their appeal to the american consumer, large group

areas, cabins, and convenance focused amenities will provide that appeal. The public is willing to pay for

amenities so the park will be able to increase revenue and visitation. We realize that State Parks does not

have funding for many of these improvements, we also know that there are many other improvements that

have higher priority than these. But in concept we feel that these plans are intriguing and it would be very

interesting to see them built.

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