To picture our world at this time, most continents were merged into the supercontinent Pangaea, and there was a single global ocean, Panthalassa. Swimming in that ocean were the large marine reptiles we find in these Nevada exposures — and indeed worldwide — today.
On the land, we meet the earliest dinosaurs, Herrerasaurus and Eoraptor — around 230 Ma.
The oldest well documented dinosaurian assemblage, in the Ischigualasto Formation, a Late Triassic fossiliferous formation and Lagerstätte in the Ischigualasto-Villa Unión Basin of the southwestern La Rioja Province and northeastern San Juan Province in northwestern Argentina, dates to this time as well.
If you are considering a visit to Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park or indeed, Nevada, choose October. Not too hot, nor too cold — but it is tarantula breeding season — so step lively!
Know Before You Go — Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park
This is a wonderful place to explore for a very reasonable sum of $5.00 US. Open year-round (though check regarding accessibility during Covid).
Contact information: Tel: 775-964-2440 / Email: bisp@parks.nv.gov. Pop these coordinates into your GPS to make your travel easier: HC-61 Box 61200, Austin, NV 89310
