Walker River Reservation Site

Walker River Study Guide

SSP will return to Schurz, Nevada, and the wonderful the Walker River Paiute Tribe this summer.  The community was very excited when we asked if they would like us to return.  The reservation is located 100 miles southeast of Reno, Nevada, in the high, dry desert country.  We will be staying in the tiny town of Schurz, where there is one gas station and small market.  About 900 people live on the Walker River Reservation.

Learn more about Walker River and the Paiute People...

Learn more about Indian peoples...

Accommodations.  We have been invited to stay in the local elementary school, a beautiful facility with a large multipurpose room, kitchen, showers and bathrooms.

Our Work.  There is plenty of challenging work to do on the reservation, where there are about 400 houses, many of which are quite old.  Last summer we did roofing, painting, stairs and ramps and other types of repairs.  You can expect more of the same.  The tribe has also asked that we work on two major home renovations over the course of the summer.

The Weather.  Hot and dry!  The elevation of Schurz is 4100 feet, so temperatures will get into the low 100's during the summer with very low humidity.  Nights cool down to the 60's and 70's.  Everyone needs to bring hats, sunscreen, chap stick and plenty of water containers.

Site Emergency Phone Number:  775-546-4511

Mailing Address:  Send all mail to:

    Volunteer Name

    Sierra Service Project

    General Delivery

    Schurz NV 89427

Driving Directions:  The very small town of Schurz is located on Highway 95 between Fallon and Hawthorne.  Google maps provides reliable directions here.  You should allow 2 to 2-1/2 hours from the drive from Reno to Schurz.  We will be staying at the Schurz Elementary School, which is located on the east side of Highway 95 immediately south of town and just south of the junction of Highway 95 and Alternative 95 (the highway connecting Yerington and Schurz).  To get an approximate idea of driving times, take a look at the driving times matrix.