Water Canyon is located just south of Winnemucca, Nevada. The canyon starts in the Sonoma Mountains at an altitude of around 4300 feet at the base and rises above the desert to more than 6,000 feet in its upper reaches. Water Canyon is one of the most popular recreation areas in Northern Nevada.
The Canyon is a picturesque oasis and is surrounded by a narrow but thick growth of cottonwood and aspen trees that form a ribbon along White Creek, the stream at the canyon’s bottom. This band of living trees contrasts with the rock and sand of the surroundings. White Creek was an important source of water to Winnemucca in the early years of its settlement in the 19th century.
This area offers one of Northern Nevada’s most popular outdoor venues, with primitive camping and picnic sites (with campfire rings, grills, tables, pit toilets). There are several hiking and biking trails — many quite steep — and even allows for limited ATV use. The property is managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
We visited Winnemucca in the fall, and the trees lining the White Creek were displaying their fall colors. It was pretty and quite a visual treat!
Water Canyon is popular in the spring and fall when the weather is cooler, but offers a shaded retreat during the summer months. You can expect the gravel roads here to have snow during the winter months and might even be undriveable.
There is no admission fee, or charges for using the camping facilities.
