Union Canyon Trail

The Union Canyon Trail is the longest and most rugged hiking option at Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park, offering a genuine backcountry experience through the stark high desert terrain of the Shoshone Range in central Nevada. This 3-mile out-and-back trail descends into and traverses Union Canyon, a dramatic desert drainage that cuts through layers of ancient rock and reveals the raw geological history of the region.

The trail winds through a landscape of sagebrush, pinyon pine, and juniper woodland, with the canyon walls rising on either side to create a sense of remote wilderness that feels far removed from civilization. The Shoshone Range backdrop provides a dramatic setting, with views of surrounding ridgelines and the high desert basin stretching to the horizon.

Wildlife is commonly spotted along this route, including mule deer, coyotes, various raptors, and the occasional pronghorn antelope. The canyon bottom may contain seasonal water sources, and wildflowers bloom along the drainage in spring and early summer. The trail gains 400 feet of elevation on a path that is less developed than the park's other routes, requiring some route-finding ability and sturdy footwear. The $10 per vehicle park entry fee applies. Leashed dogs are permitted. Hikers should carry sufficient water, as reliable water sources in the canyon cannot be counted upon, and the remote location means cell coverage is limited or nonexistent.