Berlin Ichthyosaur State Park

Deep in central Nevada’s Shoshone Range, Berlin Ichthyosaur State Park is an offbeat blend of fossil history and Wild West ghost town. This remote park protects the remains of the giant ichthyosaur, a prehistoric marine reptile, alongside the weathered buildings of the abandoned mining town of Berlin. With its stark desert landscape, fascinating paleontology, and palpable sense of isolation, it’s a must for road-trippers seeking the weird and wonderful.

Highlights & What to See

• Ichthyosaur Fossil Quarry – View the in-situ skeletons of Shonisaurus popularis, a 50-foot-long marine reptile, inside a protective shelter. The fossils are embedded in rock, and interpretive signs explain their discovery and significance.
• Berlin Ghost Town – Stroll through the preserved remains of this early 1900s mining camp, including the old mill, assay office, and a few wooden structures. The self-guided tour gives insight into the hardscrabble life of Nevada prospectors.
• Union Shaft Mine – Peer into the entrance of this historic silver mine (safely fenced) and imagine the boom years when Berlin boasted 300 residents.
• Diana’s Punch Bowl – A short drive or hike from the park, this natural travertine hot spring creates a striking turquoise pool in the desert—perfect for a picnic or photo stop.
• Dark Sky Stargazing – With no light pollution for miles, the park is an excellent spot to camp overnight and watch the Milky Way stretch across the Nevada sky.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend two to three hours exploring the fossil shelter and ghost town, but to fully appreciate the remoteness and do the short nature trails, plan for a half-day. If you’re camping or stargazing, dedicate a full afternoon and overnight. The park is best visited as part of a longer Nevada road trip, as it’s a long way from any major town.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park is near the town of Gabbs (20 miles north), a tiny former mining hub with basic supplies.
• Toiyabe National Forest – Drive west into the Toiyabe Range for hiking, fishing, and scenic mountain drives, especially around the historic town of Austin.
• Ione Valley – Explore the remote landscapes and the ghost town of Ione, another relic of Nevada’s mining past.
• Grimes Point Archaeological Area – About 100 miles east, near Fallon, this site features petroglyphs and a short interpretive trail.
• Sand Mountain Recreation Area – A massive sand dune popular with off-roaders, located near Fallon, offering a change of scenery from the rocky desert.
• Lake Lahontan State Park – For water activities, this reservoir near Fallon provides boating, fishing, and camping, a good contrast to the high desert.

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