Lake, Mountain, Desert and trail.

Hikers and bikers will find enough trails for a lifetime of rewarding treks and challenging rides for all ability levels. Beginner hiking and cycling routes in East Carson City follow the former Virginia & Truckee Railroad line. Advanced and long-range climbs can be found in the Pine Nut Mountains just south of Carson City where there are miles of winding trails that go through rolling desert hills — some reach altitudes of 7,465 feet. The Carson River loop takes intermediate riders and hikers along a scenic portion of the Carson River and into Brunswick Canyon, along old mining sites. The granddaddy of all mountain bike rides starts at Spooner Summit, loops to Marlette Lake along Tahoe’s eastern ridge and ends in Incline Village. An occasional sighting of bald eagles and osprey makes the area popular with birdwatchers. Nearby State Parks offer wilderness activities as well. Visitors can enjoy Carson City’s numerous parks and picnic grounds, including the Korean War Veterans Memorial Park, honoring Nevadans killed in action and all veterans of the Korean War. Some parks have lighted tennis courts, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, athletic fields and playgrounds.
Fishing might be Northern Nevada’s best kept secret. Wildlife abounds in Carson’s surrounding lakes and streams. Outdoorsmen come from all around the world to fish for the elusive cutthroat trout. In the heart of Carson, the Carson River contains an abundance of rainbow trout, carp, bass and whitefish. The Truckee River flows to the north, and the capital is in close proximity to Pyramid, Topaz, and Washoe Lakes, as well as the locally famous Hobart Reservoir.
Carson City and Dayton officially become a Nevada whitewater destination, with the addition of the Carson River Aquatic Trail, a 12.6-mile float consisting of serene Class 1 to frisky Class III whitewater. The Morgan Mill Road River Access offers a concrete launch ramp, parking area, restroom and picnic area, and the Santa Maria Ranch River Park in Dayton features an equally user-friendly take-out area. The 180-mile Carson River enters Nevada from the Sierra Nevada in California. The river flows through four counties and feeds Lahontan Reservoir.
We can help you arrange any activity. Call 800-NEVADA-1, or email us for more information at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Nevada Division of Wildlife (775)688-1500. Topaz Lake Marina (775)266-3550.

U.S. Forest Service, Carson Ranger District (775)882-2766. Conveniently located to world-class skiing, snowboarding and cross-country trails. Carson City’s strength as a winter destination is its close proximity to Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada. Lake Tahoe boasts 15 alpine and nine cross-country resorts. Heavenly, Mt. Rose, Diamond Peak, and Kirkwood are all within a short 35-60 minute drive from Carson City. All of the major resorts offer ski and snowboard rentals and lessons, as do a couple of Carson City’s shops. Mild spring temperatures offer the option of skiing one of Tahoe’s premier ski resorts in the morning and hitting the golf course in the afternoon, and location makes Carson City an affordable alternative to lakeside lodging.