If you want sky-high views you gotta climb the mountain! Head to Nevada’s first pioneer settlement to explore a network of trails that will have you oohing and aahing. The Genoa Trail System is managed by the Carson Valley Trails Association and features 17+ miles of routes full of switchbacks, interesting terrain, and views that don’t quit.
The singletrack trails wind and weave along the eastern face of the Carson Range, a 50-mile spur of the Sierra Nevada that cradles the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe and looms large above the Truckee Meadows, Washoe Valley, and Carson Valley. From here, you’ll get a birdseye look at the lush Carson Valley.
The Genoa Trail System is made up of three trails, all open to equestrians. The Eagle Ridge Loop Trail is about 6.5 miles long, including about 2 miles that are on roads. The Sierra Canyon Trail (not a loop) is about 10 miles long and connects to the Tahoe Rim Trail. The Genoa Loop Trail is a little over 8 miles long, including about 2 miles that are on roads. It is possible to touch all the trails on one ride. You can make your own combination of loops, do an out and back, or stage a second vehicle.
As they snake around the outside of the mountain, the trails alternate between exposed slopes and dense forested canyons. It’s single-track and non-motorized all the way, but moderately technical. There are no obstacles per se (other than a bridge) but the trails are narrow with lots of switchbacks, steep drop offs, and some places have pretty soft edges. If you are scared of heights you might find some sections a bit dizzying. There is a one mile section of the Genoa Loop Trail not recommended for equestrians or bicyclists because of tight switchbacks and very steep dropoffs. It isn’t closed to equestrians, just not recommended and there is signage there to indicate.
The elevation along the trails ranges from 4,700 feet to over 8,000+ feet so there’s a lot of diversity in plant and animal life. Trees include mountain mahogany, pines, and fir while underbrush includes sagebrush, manzanita, and chaparral. You’ll find lots of wildflowers here in the spring and summer. Keep an eye open for critters like lizards, squirrels, and weasels, but also the occasional black bear.
There is access to water along the trails, thanks to the creeks flowing out of the canyons. The water crossings are small and easy for horses. There is one bridge over the creek on the Genoa Loop Trail. Also on that trail you will find the Genoa Waterfall which, while not huge, is impressive nonetheless.
All the trails are popular with bicyclists and hikers, especially on weekends. There are a few places with limited sight distance so you’ll want to keep an ear and eye open for bikes. The footing varies between dirt and rocks so boots or shoes are recommended. Because of trees and elevation, the trails can hold snow into late spring, but generally they are rideable in the spring, summer, and fall. Residents appreciate dogs on leashes in the neighborhood sections.
Getting Here
Where to Park: It depends on which trail you plan to ride, but options are limited regardless. There is no room for trailers at any of the trailhead day use parking areas. The Carson Valley Trails Association has two recommended places for horse trailers to park (see their trail map above for reference). One is on Jacks Valley Road, about a half a mile from the Sierra Canyon Trailhead. The other is on Eagle Ridge Road, just outside the Eagle Ridge Trailhead.
Option 1: Jacks Valley Road & Centennial Drive
If you want to begin your ride at the Sierra Canyon Trailhead, then this is where you’d want to park. There is no signed or designated parking. The expectation is that you just pull off and park alongside Jacks Valley Road. There isn’t a ton of room so you have to tack up next to a pretty busy road. To get to the trailhead you have to cross the street and ride through a neighborhood.
Option 2: Eagle Ridge Road & Timberline Road
I think this is the better option for trailer parking. It is much less busy with traffic and there are wider turnouts off the road to park. It feels like the safer and easier option. The Eagle Ridge Trailhead is just 0.2 miles away. Once on that trail, you can connect to all the others.
Option 3: If you want to start at the Genoa Canyon Trailhead (not recommended), then you can just try your luck finding parking on one of the nearby streets in Genoa. Convenient if you want to ride to the Genoa Bar & Saloon to have a drink at “Nevada’s oldest thirst parlor!”
Wherever you park, please clean up all manure.
Trail Maps
