Thanks to the Carson City Visitors Center for the Information Nestled at the foot of Nevada’s Eastern Sierra mountain range, Carson City affords visitors access to many scenic hiking trails within city limits, even part of Lake Tahoe’s eastern shores sit within city limits. Because we sit at a lower elevation than Tahoe, hikers enjoy year-round access to the Carson River, three back-country lakes, multiple mountain peaks, and to some unspoiled shoreline along Lake Tahoe. Depending on if you are out for an evening stroll with the entire family or out looking for adventure, the trails around Carson City offer you a little bit of everything.
Beginner Hiking Trails
Beginner hiking trails include a mile-long loop that winds along a portion of the Carson River at Riverview Park, a 109-acre natural area with miles of traversing trails, Longview Ranch, where 1.9 miles of paved paths connect with a portion of the Old V&T Railroad. Dirt trails leave from the paved sections and take hikers who want more advanced climbs up the Sierra Nevada foothills and toward summits overlooking Lake Tahoe’s wilderness. The .25 mile hike to the Kings Canyon Waterfall is another great option for all ages to enjoy the 25-foot cascading Kings Canyon Waterfall.
Intermediate Trails
Intermediate trails include The Kings Canyon Waterfall Trail at the end of Kings Canyon Road offering multiple loop systems, the C-Hill 4-mile trail, the trail system on Prison Hill, as well as the Spooner Lake Loop at Spooner Lake State Park or the Chimney Beach Trail off Hwy 28.
Experienced Hiking Trails
For the most adventurous continue from Spooner Lake up to Marlette Lake or Hobart Lake and access the world-class Flume Trail. Closer to Carson City is the award-winning Ash to Kings Canyon Trail, a 7-mile point to point hike that takes you past a waterfall and through multiple landscapes.