Cycling & Mountain Biking
Carson City is a certified bronze Bike-Friendly Community by the League of American Cyclist. Carson City’s ranking is based off of many factors, including the total bicycle network mileage, the presence of bicycle friendly laws and ordinances, and how well a community implements the Unified Pathways Master Plan, among others. We welcome all cyclists!
Bike-friendly streets make Carson City a perfect place to ride around the capital’s historic districts, nearby attractions, and unique downtown shops and restaurants. Bikes can be rented at multiple places in Tahoe.
Mountain Biking
The area’s temperate weather provides Lake Tahoe area cycling nearly year-round, including recreational routes along the scenic Carson River and more advanced terrain for serious mountain biking.
Carson City is host to 2 off-road events annually. Join us for the Carson City Off-Road Race the last weekend in June, race from the heart of downtown 15, 35 or 50 miles into the amazing back country of the Sierra up to Tahoe. We promise these views are some of the best in the world.
Our newest race is a gravel-grinder extravaganza exploring more of our remote trails and roads in the Pine Nut Mountain on the East Side of Carson City. We promise, Pete Stetina's Prospect Ride here in Carson City this September 19th ride is one you won't want to miss.
Don't forget to check out our newest trail, The Cap to Tahoe. This is the first trial to connect Carson City to Lake Tahoe. Spaning 16 miles of blue rated single track with views of Carson City and Lake Tahoe.
Road Cycling
Those who enjoy cycling in town can explore the tree-lined streets around the Kit Carson Trail, featuring more than 60 historical landmarks. The nearby V&T Trail is another popular ride, taking cyclists along a section where the old railroad once ran and into Longview Ranch Trails, weaving through quiet neighborhoods and past parks and playgrounds. On the eastern side of the city, the Linear Park Trail takes riders along a paved multi-use path that extends from Governors Field to Moffat Open Space and on to the Mexican Ditch Trail. Click here for all trails.
More advanced bike routes close but outside of Carson City include the Franktown Loop, which offers a scenic ride through estate- and farm-lined roads, Kingsbury Grade, a very challenging climb to Lake Tahoe with stunning views along the way, and the ride from Carson City to Virginia City, with a steep climb that leads to this famous old mining town.
Looking for a race? Join us for the Edible Pedal Ride in late September.
Carson City named a Bronze-level Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of
American Bicyclists
Carson City, NV - On December 14th 2022, the League of American Bicyclists honored the
efforts of Carson City to build better places for people to bike with a Bronze-level Bicycle
Friendly Community (BFC) award. Carson City joins 501 communities across the country in the
movement for safer streets and better bicycling for everyone.
The League of American Bicyclists’ Bicycle Friendly America program sets the standard for
how communities build and benchmark progress toward making biking better. The award
recognizes Carson City for its commitment to creating transportation and recreational resources
that benefit its residents of all ages and abilities while encouraging healthier and more
sustainable transportation choices. “Building a community where bicycling is safer and easier for
everyone that lives or visits Carson City is important to us. That’s why we’re proud to celebrate
this Bronze-level award and the recognition from the League." said Scott Bohemier,
Transportation Planner at Carson City Public Works. "This award shows the dedication from
community leaders and local bike advocates to raise our standards of what it takes to be a
Bicycle Friendly Community.
The rigorous application process is an educational tool in itself, and includes an opportunity for
local bicyclists and active transportation advocates to provide input on their experiences and
perceptions of bicycling in their community. While the award process considers very visible
elements such as bike infrastructure, other essential elements include efforts around adult and
youth bike education, encouragement through events like Bike to Work Day, evaluation
mechanisms, and enforcement all through the lens of equity.
Additional
Biking resources
Muscle Powered
Bike and pedestrian advocacy group
BikeCarson.com
Bicycle news, culture, and lifestyle in Carson City
The Bike Smith
Local Bike Shop
Bike Habitat
Local Bike Shop
Blue Zone Sports
Mountain Bike & Outdoor Gear
Bicycle Authority
Local BMX Bike Shop
Carson City Parks & Recreation
Link to the City’s Open Space and Trails information
Highway 50 MTB Adventure
The Best Mountain Bike Road Trip Ever!
Hwy 50 MTB Adventure
"On a clear day from the right perspective, views in Nevada’s Great Basin are measured in the hundreds of miles, and running right through the heart of it all is Nevada’s Highway 50. Undulating several times from one mountain range and basin to the next between Utah and California, what you see from Highway 50 barely even scratches the surface of the rugged and wild beauty that interior Nevada offers. The only way to truly experience Nevada’s year round streams, aspen groves, wildflowers and wildlife is to park the car, get up in the ranges and explore. And the mountain bike is the perfect exploration tool for your backcountry Nevada adventure.” – Kurt Genshammer, The Angry Singlespeeder
Learn More