This challenging mountain ride pairs beautiful views with the raw power of Mother Nature. Located between Reno and Carson City, Davis Creek Regional Park is nestled at the base of Slide Mountain on the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada. This County-managed park is a popular recreational spot with a campground (not for horses), a pond, amphitheater, and hiking trails. While only one of those trail is open to equestrians, it is a worthwhile ride.
Horses are allowed on the Ophir Creek Trail. Be prepared – this is a workout ride. The parking lot sits at 5,100 feet and the top of the trail is at 6,252 feet so you are looking at over 1,000 feet of elevation gain in about three miles! For that reason, this is not a trail for out-of-shape horses or riders. Most of the climb is at the beginning of the trail, which can also be quite rocky. However, the grade does mellow out and that’s where the ride really starts to get interesting.
The trail follows the path of destruction left by a 1983 landslide that occurred here. The large landslide pushed a slurry of millions of gallons of water and millions of cubic yards of granite sand, rock, and trees down to the floor of Washoe Valley. Today, you can still see evidence of the devastation from the trail, which follows the path of the debris flow. It’s truly shocking to see the bare cliffsides where the landslide tore through the canyon, ripping out trees and earth.
On the way back you’ll have excellent views of Washoe Lake and Washoe Valley. Much of the trail weaves through tall pine trees and there are a few small water crossings on the trail. This trail is open to hikers and bicyclists as well. Bikes are very rare on this trail but there are usually a few hikers.
Technically the Ophir Creek Trail does connect to Price Lake and the Tahoe Meadows but the trail has not been maintained and it is not passable for equestrians once you get to the large debris field at the origin of the slide. But, you can still ride roughly six miles out and back, which may not seem like much but it will with the elevation gain! Enjoy this trail for the scenery and the conditioning.
Getting Here
Where to Park: Equestrian parking is on the left, just before the main entrance before you get to the campground and day-use area.
