Hiking Trails Near Carson City, Nevada

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, Carson City hiking trails the trails around Carson City offer you a little bit of everything.

Beginner Hiking Trails

Beginner hiking trails in Carson City 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, and 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.

Beginner hiking trails in Carson City:

Riverview Park
Longview Ranch
Kings Canyon Waterfall

Intermediate Trails

Carson City Iintermediate hiking trails include beautiful waterfall trails, scenic landscapes, and loops around the lake. The Kings Canyon Waterfall Trail System at the end of Kings Canyon Road offersing multiple loop systems, where some are harder than others. Additionally, the C-Hill trail features a beautiful outlook of Carson City, where you’ll be walking along the hillsides up to Carson City’s hillside ‘C’., Prison Hill's Recreation Area also provides numerous options like the North Loop Trail, as well as the Spooner Lake Loop at Spooner Lake State Park or the Chimney Beach Trail off Hwy 28. No matter what kind of Carson City hiking trail you’re in the mood for, we’ve got you covered!

Intermediate Carson City hiking trails:

Kings Canyon Waterfall Trail System
Ash Canyon Creek Trail
C-Hill Trail
Prison Hill Recreation Area
North Loop Trail
Desert Peach Trail
Spooner Lake Loop

Experienced Hiking Trails

Looking for a more challenging hiking trail in Carson City? For the most adventurous, continue from Spooner Lake up to Marlette Lake or Hobart Lake and access the world-class Flume Trail. The views here will take your breath away. Closer to Carson City is the award-winning Ash to Kings Trail, a 7-mile point to point hike that takes you past a waterfall and through multiple landscapes. Finally, the newly opened 16 mile Capital to Tahoe Trail connects you from Carson City to the Tahoe Rim Trail and is an adventure you will not want to miss.