Carson City's position in the center of Nevada's Eastern Sierra affords visitors unending access to scenic and challenging trails. Hikers and bikers will find enough trails for a lifetime of rewarding treks.
For cyclists, the grandaddy of all trails starts at Spooner Summit 12 miles west of Carson City, and features a loop to Marlette Lake along Tahoe's eastern ridge, down to the site of the Ponderosa near Incline Village. A shuttle service is available back to the trailhead.
But less renowned trails are just minutes from downtown Carson City, and are often free from the crowds of Tahoe's popular sites.
The Pine Nut mountains just south of Carson City offer miles of winding singletrack through rolling desert hills.
A four-mile beginner hiking and cycling route in East Carson City follows the former Virginia & Truckee Railroad line. Advanced riders and long-range hikers might choose the 13-mile McClellan Peak climb, which reaches and altitude of 7,465 feet before a decent back to the north Carson trailhead.
The Carson River loop takes intermediate riders 10.5 miles along a scenic portion of Carson River. Hikers can opt to shorten that distance, and still enjoy the environment. The truly adventurous will brave the 15-mile Brunswick Canyon climb along old mining sites and encampments.
Local bike shops offer rentals and trail maps, and backcountry tours can also be arranged.
Call us for more information, 1-800-NEVADA-1.
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