This challenging mountain ride will make you (and your horse) sweat, but it promises stunning panorama views from Reno all the way to Carson Valley. Access the trail to Hobart Reservoir from the tiny Lakeview neighborhood between Washoe Valley and Carson City. Here you’ll find a well-developed trailhead with good access and turnaround for trailers.
This trail is challenging and strenuous – not because of obstacles, but because it is extremely steep. This is a workout ride. The trail starts at 5,400 feet and climbs to 7,600 feet in five grueling miles. This is not a ride for out-of-shape horses. (Or people. If you’re anything like me you’ll probably end up walking quite a bit of it. Your horse will appreciate it.)
What makes the climb worthwhile are the epic views. The whole climb up offers increasingly more dramatic views of Washoe Valley, Reno, Cason City, Carson Valley, and the surrounding mountains. Take breaks as you climb to admire the scenic views and plants. You’ll see arrowleaf balsamroot, mules ears, bitterbrush, paintbrush, coyote mint and other wildflowers in late spring. There is a creek running alongside most of the trail, but it is not very accessible for horses. The pine forest grows thicker as you climb.
Finally, after all that climbing, you’ll enter the Lake Tahoe Basin where the trail levels out a bit. And eventually you’ll arrive at Hobart Reservoir at 7,650 feet. This small body of water is the perfect place for a break. There are lots of grassy spots for grazing and easy access to the water. Hobart Reservoir is a popular fishing spot for trout. There is a small primitive campground (tents only, not for equestrians) next to the reservoir with a vault toilet. Bear can sometimes be seen in the area.
From Hobart Reservoir you can continue on past the Red House, the home of the old flume tender. From here you can make a loop that will take you back to the trail and down to the Lakeview trailhead. Or you can connect to the Tahoe Rim Trail and ride on indefinitely. This whole trail system is also part of the American Discovery Trail.
The trail to Hobart Reservoir is technically a road, though it is closed to the public. There are some private land holdings in the mountain so a few owners do have keys to the gate and every so often someone will drive up. But the few times I have encountered cars they have always driven slow and been polite.
Hobart Trail is a popular trail with hikers, dog walkers, backpackers, and bicyclists. Hobart and back is a 10 mile ride. With the Red House loop, it is a 13 mile ride.
ALERT: The Nevada Division of State Parks has temporarily closed several trails and roads within the Spooner Lake Backcountry to perform dam and water pipeline repairs. The closures include the Lakeview Road Trailhead. An alternative route is Ash Canyon Road to Hobart. The closure is expected to last through October 2025. For more info: https://parks.nv.gov/news/backcountry-near-hobart-reservoir-is-closed-due-to-gas-leak
Getting Here
Where to Park: Parking is very limited here. There are pullouts on each side of the road that are signed for horse trailer parking only. This is a popular spot on weekends and unfortunately, sometimes cars park in the horse parking. We recommend getting to this spot early to make sure you can get a spot.
Trail Maps
