Berlin–Ichthyosaur State ParkAbout Berlin–Ichthyosaur State Park
Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park is a protected area in Nevada that preserves one of the United States’ significant Triassic ichthyosaur fossil localities and the nearby historic mining townsite of Berlin. The park protects large marine reptile skeletons exposed in a quarry and preserved 19th century buildings.
Highlight features are the fossil quarry with exposed ichthyosaur remains and the preserved ghost town buildings that illustrate local mining history. The park offers an interpretive center, short walking trails, and displays explaining the paleontology and mining-era archaeology.
Fossils in the park represent large Triassic marine reptiles unearthed from the local quarry; the Berlin townsite dates to the late 19th century and served miners and their families. The park was established to protect both the paleontological resources and the historic townsite.
The park lies in rural Nevada within the Basin and Range region, adjacent to the Berlin townsite and accessible from nearby small communities and backcountry roads.
- Combined significance: Park combines paleontological and historic values by protecting abundant Triassic marine reptile remains alongside a preserved mining townsite.
- Visitor facilities: On-site visitor facilities include an interpretive center and marked trails that link the fossil locality with the townsite.
What to See#
- Fossil quarry: A late Triassic ichthyosaur fossil quarry where multiple large marine reptile skeletons have been recovered and are interpreted in situ for visitors.
- Berlin ghost town: The adjacent 19th century mining townsite preserved as a ghost town with several original buildings and interpretive signage documenting the local mining history.
Nearby Attractions to Berlin–Ichthyosaur State Park
Best Time to Visit Berlin–Ichthyosaur State Park
A remote state park preserving both a 19th-century mining ghost town (Berlin) and the world's largest concentration of ichthyosaur fossils - best visited late spring through early autumn for access and comfort.
Weather & Climate near Berlin–Ichthyosaur State Park
Berlin–Ichthyosaur State Park's climate is classified as Cold Desert - Cold Desert climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -8°C to 29°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -8° - 5° | -6° | 15 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -7° - 7° | -4° | 19 mm | - | - | 3.6 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | -6° - 9° | -2° | 21 mm | - | - | 4.1 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | -3° - 13° | 2° | 21 mm | - | - | 4.1 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 1° - 18° | 7° | 25 mm | - | - | 4.2 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 6° - 24° | 15° | 20 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 10° - 29° | 19° | 17 mm | - | - | 3.8 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 9° - 28° | 19° | 22 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 5° - 24° | 14° | 17 mm | - | - | 3.5 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 0° - 17° | 7° | 17 mm | - | - | 3.4 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | -5° - 10° | -1° | 20 mm | - | - | 3.6 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -9° - 6° | -6° | 15 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Berlin–Ichthyosaur State Park
Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park is remote in central Nevada. From US-50 near the town of Austin or from US-95 near Tonopah/Gabbs, follow state and county roads as directed by park signage; expect long drives on rural roads. The nearest larger town with services is Hawthorne or Fallon; drivers should fuel up and prepare for limited facilities.
Tips for Visiting Berlin–Ichthyosaur State Park
- Bring warm layers even in summer - nights can be cold at elevation and wind can be sharp.
- Stick to marked trails and respect fenced dig areas; fossils are protected and collecting is prohibited.
- If interested in fossils, contact the park visitor center ahead of a visit for current trail conditions and guided-program availability.