Tags : Carson Valley trails Exploring the Carson Valley Johnson Lane area OHV Trails
The Carson Valley is such a great place to live. Moderate Weather, beautiful mountain peaks and as many recreational things to do as I could imagine.
OHV (Off Highway Vehicles) is my favorite Recreational past time that does not involve a boat on Lake Tahoe. And the Pine nut mountain range and BLM land to the East of The carson valley is an endless playground for such an activity. Roads, trails, desert landscape and on occasion a glimpse at a wild horse as they graze in the Nevada Wild landscape.
The Carson Valley Trail association recently opened the Pinyon Trail, a new trail for horses, Mountain Bikes and people to hike on the South East of the Valley.
So it got me thinking, what are the best OHV trails in the area? Where are all the trails at? If I had a client that just moved here where would they find the local areas to ride their OHV. So here is a general list of Trail area in the region for OHV with directions.
The China Springs Trail
Directions: From: Gardnerville, NV 1) Take US-395 south about 7 miles 2) Turn right on China Springs Rd. (FS-690), continue about .2 miles. 3) Look for 
large turnout on the right, park/stage here 4) To hit the trail, veer right on Horseshoe Bend Rd. (the road behind the tree that heads southwest, not the sharp right that heads up the hill) 5) The road proceeds past a few houses on the left then over the ridge. Trail Map
Gardnerville Ranchos Gravel Pits Trail
Directions: From: From Junction 395 take Hwy 88 S for about 5 miles, turn left on Kimmerling Way 3) Go 2 miles on Kimmerling Way, turn right on Tillman Ln. 4) Go about 1 1/4 mile on Tillman Ln., veer left on dirt road, staging area will be on the right. Trail Map
Genoa Peak Trail
Directions: From: Carson City, NV 1) Take 395 S. about 13 miles 2) Turn onto Hwy 88 S., continue 2 miles 3) Turn right (west) on SR 207, continue 11.5 miles 4) Turn right (north) on N. Benjamin Dr., continue 1.5 miles (N. Benjamin Dr. turns into Andria Dr.) 5) Staging area will be on your left. Trail Map
Johnson Lane Trail
Directions: From: Carson City, NV 1) Take 395 south about 10 miles 2) Turn left (east) on Johnson Lane, continue about 4 miles. 3) Paved road will turn to dirt, continue about 100 yards 4) Stage here. Trail Map also out off Johnson Lane The Sunrise Pass RD
Mt. Seigel OHV Trail
Directions: From: Carson City, NV 1) Take 395 South approx 20 miles 2) Turn left on Pinenut Rd. and continue approx 1 1/4 miles 3) Veer right at the fork and continue another 3/4 of a mile on Pinenut Rd. 4) Turn left just before the fairgrounds and continue about 1/4 mile to the staging area. 5) Staging area will be on your left, and is clearly visible from the road. (Note: If you see the fairgrounds on your right or you come to a dead end, you’ve missed your final left turn.) Trail
Old Sheep Ranch
Directions: From: Carson City, NV 1) Take I-395 south toward Minden (approx. 15 miles) 2) Turn left (east) on Buckeye Rd. and continue approx. 3 1/2 miles 3) Turn left on E. Valley Rd. and continue approx. 1 mile 4) Turn right on the powerline lined dirt road* (largest double-pole power lines) 5) Stage anywhere along this road – (continue along this same road to the trails). Trail Map
Sunrise Pass Trail
The trail starts at the end of Johnson Lane, approximately 3.9 miles east of U.S. Highway 395 in Minden. Johnson Lane becomes a dirt road and tuns into Sunrise Pass Road. The road connects to a number of trails. As you travel, you will pass Painted Rock on your left, approximately 1.9 miles from the end of Johnson Lane. You can proceed into mountainous terrain at this point of continue along Sunrise Pass Road over Sunrise Pass, which eventually leads to Wellington and Yerington. For further information and directions, stop by the Carson Valley Visitors Center.
Switchback Mountain 1979 US Hwy 395
Switchback Mountain offers a variety of off road trails. Please stop in at Topaz Lodge for more information.
