During his 1844 expedition across the Great Basin, explorer John C. Frémont and his party camped alongside a river before attempting to cross the Sierra Nevada in the dead of winter. After successfully navigating the formidable mountain range, Frémont honored his guide and friend, Kit Carson, by bestowing his name to several landmarks on the route. Today, Carson is a ubiquitous western Nevada place name, from the pass over the Sierra to the state’s capital city and the river that runs through it.
You can ponder Frémont and Carson’s feat as you ride your horse along that river, with views of the mighty Sierra beyond. The Carson River Trail is a non motorized trail just a few miles from downtown Carson City. It is made up of six segments totaling five miles (10 miles out and back). The northern end begins at Morgan Mill and the southern end is the Mexican Dam. In between, you’ll find a lovely trail that meanders along the west side of the river, offering picturesque views of the city and the Sierra.
Carson City Parks does an excellent job maintaining this trail. It is well groomed, with maps and interpretive signage along the way. The terrain is classic high desert, with big, healthy sagebrush and cottonwood trees. The Carson River Trail is loveliest in the spring when the wildflowers are blooming and the fall when the trees are gold, but you can ride here year-round.
The trail passes along the south side of Empire Ranch Golf Course, where you’ll see golfers teeing off and driving carts. Next, you’ll ride through working ranches with livestock grazing in the pastures. The trail ends at the Mexican Dam, a historical dam used to divert water from the river to nearby Comstock mills in the early 1860s. There are a few off-shoot trails, but generally this is an out and back ride. (However, ambitious riders can continue on past the dam to connect to the Prison Hill Trail System.)
There is nothing technical about the Carson River Trail. It’s flat, wide, and the footing is mostly decomposed granite (DG) or soil. There are some obstacles including bridges, one road crossing, and, depending on the year, flooded areas that may require water crossings. The trail is popular with bicyclists, runners, and walkers (often with off leash dogs), especially on weekends. You may also see kayakers in the river. Black bears have been spotted in the area. There are several places to access the Carson River with your horse.
Getting Here
Start at the top or the bottom. Here are your options for equestrian access.
Morgan Mill River Access Park
This is the northern end of the trail. The parking area has several trailer parking lanes, with easy ingress and egress. There is a port-a-potty, picnic tables, and garbage. From here you can head south.
Silver Saddle Ranch
This historic ranch is toward the southern end of the trail. Equestrian parking is past the main parking area at the ranch itself, with a large area for several trailers. There are no bathrooms, but there is water and garbage cans. From here you can head south or north.
