Did you know that Carson City, Nevada is a certified bronze Bike-Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists? It’s true! And we’re pretty proud of this recognition, as it takes a lot of hands and hard work to maintain a bike-friendly atmosphere. That’s why Carson City is the perfect destination for mountain biking in Nevada.
But this dedication doesn’t stop at the asphalt! Many locals and visitors consider Carson City’s mountain biking trails as some of the best in Nevada. After all, the Sierra Nevada mountain range offers limitless opportunities for people to explore.
Need to rent a mountain bike? No problem. There are multiple shops in and around Lake Tahoe that you can borrow from! Flume Trail Bikes is a popular place for bike rentals and shuttle services in and around Lake Tahoe. Or, if you’re just in need of some gear, hit up Bike Habitat, Bike Smith or Blue Zone Sports for anything and everything bike related to set you up for success on your mountain biking adventure.
Whether you’re renting to hit the trails for the first time, or bringing your own gear from home, consider these Nevada mountain bike trails! We’ve got something for everyone, whether you want an easy ride or one that works up a sweat.
Carson City, Nevada Bike Trails for Beginners
If you’re new to mountain biking and looking for the perfect trails to get started, Carson City is the place to be! This area is packed with beginner-friendly routes that offer stunning scenery without the steep climbs or technical terrain. These beginner-friendly mountain bike trails in Nevada will help you build your confidence on a bike while enjoying the outdoors.
H3: Riverview Park
Immerse yourself in the great outdoors—without feeling like you’re over your head! Riverview Park is a 109-acre park with gorgeous views in every direction, no matter what time of year it is. Wander for a bit through the wetlands and a network of trails, and you’ll eventually end up at the banks of the Carson River. Most of the routes are paved, but in Carson City, you can always find a path less traveled, making the perfect spot for your next trip mountain biking in Nevada!
IMBA Rating: Green (Easy)
H3: Mexican Ditch Trail
Mexican Ditch Trail makes adventuring in the great outdoors easy, as it has zero elevation gain. Starting at the northern most point, this 4-mile takes you from the Moffat Space Open Property to the Mexican Dam on the Carson River. (You can always opt for a shorter route, too!)
Want to keep going? No problem! The Mexican Ditch Trail connects to many other trails in the area.
If you’re planning on bringing a furry friend along for the ride, this Nevada mountain bike trail is great to explore together! Please keep your dog on a leash at all times, for their safety and others’.
IMBA Rating: Green (Easy)
Intermediate Mountain Bike Trails
Perhaps you’re ready to take your skills up a notch! Well, look no further than these intermediate mountain bike trails in Nevada! With just the right mix of challenging climbs, fun descents, and breathtaking views, these Carson City routes offer a rewarding ride for bikers looking to push themselves.
Let’s dive into a couple intermediate-level trails!
H3: Desert Peach Trail
Also part of Prison Hill’s vast trail system is Desert Peach Trail! In fact, you can exit about halfway through the North Loop Trail to explore this area. Although it’s a shorter journey at 1.4 miles, it’s the perfect mountain biking trail in Nevada if you want to practice maneuvering on a narrow path with steep side slopes. Let the adrenaline rush begin!
IMBA Rating: Blue (More Difficult)
H3: Ash to Kings Trail
Ash to Kings Trail is one of Carson City’s most popular mountain bike trails. Accept the challenge of this 13.4-mile, out-and-back route and revel in a rewarding experience. It links Ash Canyon Road on the north end and Kings Canyon Road on the south. While you’re exploring this region of Carson City, be sure to make a detour to the 25-foot Kings Canyon Waterfall.
IMBA Rating: Blue (More Difficult)
H3: Capital to Tahoe Trail
Charming Carson City is a 30-minute drive to the world-famous Lake Tahoe. But you’re not here to hop in the car. Instead, venture out on the 16-mile (round trip) Capital to Tahoe Trail via mountain bike! You’ll ride on mixed terrain with some sections reaching grades up to 19% as you head towards the lake. Talk about getting your heart pumping!
Whether you’re navigating tight turns or flying down a descent, this blue-rated trail is an experience you won’t want to miss. Remember to grab a memento for your hard work! Stop by the Visitor’s Center to snag a free Cap to Tahoe sticker.
IMBA Rating: Blue (More Difficult)
Trails for Advanced Riders
For experienced bikers hoping for rocky descents and steep switchbacks, Carson City has routes for you, too! Prepare yourself to take on some of Nevada’s toughest mountain bike trails the next time you visit.
H3: Prison Hill North Loop Trail
Prison Hill—a 2,500-acre natural recreation area—is one of Carson City’s most unique assets. This Nevada mountain bike trail features incredible views of Nevada’s capital and tons of wide open space to explore. The North Hill Loop is a 3.8-mile ride that’s great for intermediate mountain bikers. Want to keep going? Choose from any of the other paths this trail is connected to, and you’ll have a full day of adventuring!
While you’re on this trail, you’re likely to pass by outdoor enthusiasts on foot or on horseback! Oh, and keep an eye out for wildlife, such as coyotes, rabbits, hawks, and deer.
IMBA Rating: Blue (More Difficult) on the west side and Blue/Black (More/Very Difficult) on the east side
H3: Ash Creek Trail
Not for the faint of heart, Ash Creek Trail is a 2-mile downhill “flow type” trail that follows the Ash Canyon creek. Experienced riders are recommended to take on this mountain biking trail in Nevada due to its steep slopes, areas with drop-offs, and limited visibility. While you navigate through, keep your eyes peeled for wildflowers and sagebrush in bloom!
IMBA Rating: Black (Very Difficult)
Hear from the Pros
“As I transition into more off-road racing, I find myself venturing into [Carson City] more and more and just exploring the amount of trails.” – Peter Stetina, Professional Gravel Bike Racer
“I’ve ridden all over the western united and I honestly say that I tend to compare the trails that I ride in other places to these trails, and how do they hold up? Ash to Kings Trail is probably my favorite trail of all time…having this trail in our back yard is absolutely fantastic.” – Nate Harrison, Resident of Carson City and local Mountain Biking Coach (Quote from his feature on Outdoor Nevada on PBS)
Preparing to Conquer Northern Nevada’s Mountain Bike Trails
Mountain Biking in Nevada can be considered a year-round sport, however, the experience varies significantly by season. In the summer months, you have the best access to trails and arguably the best weather. In the spring and fall, there’s a bit milder weather and the trails are less crowded, but the weather can be a bit unpredictable and the trails may be wet. Traditional mountain biking isn’t possible in the winter due to heavy snowfall, however, fat biking (biking with extra-wide tires) is an option if that’s something you’re interested in!
Before your trip, make sure to research the trails, ensure you have the proper supplies, and learn local etiquettes and considerations. Horses, hikers, and other trail sharing may need to be considered for your mountain biking in Nevada.
Plan Your Mountain Biking Getaway in Carson City
You’ve had a successful day of stirring up some dust on Carson City, Nevada’s mountain biking routes. Now, it’s time to head back into town. Check out our historic capital, wind-down indoors at one of our museums, or fill your belly at one of our various dining options. There’s no shortage of things to do here in Carson City. And if you’re looking to spend the night, consider one of our cozy lodging options where you’ll be able to rinse off the day and map out tomorrow’s adventure.