TRT, the Tahoe Rim Trail heading north on the west side of Snow Valley Peak in Nevada overlooking Lake Tahoe. The picture above was taken at about N39.146935 W119.886350.
Where We Ride:
Most of the links on this page refer to GPS coordinates taken directly from a GPS. They can be pasted into mapping software like Delorme, websites like Google Maps or Google Earth or GPS devices. When using Google Maps be sure to check out the 'Street View' feature (when available) for an 'up close, like you are standing there' view.
Many of the areas described below have numerous ways to get to there; we are including the ones we have used. All directions assume you are starting in the Carson Valley area.
As you can see by looking at any Topo Map or software there are many trails in these areas to explore. We will comtinue to add new areas and elaborate on existing descriptions as time and space permit. Our first priority will be to add directions to trailheads and brief descriptions to the areas. Thanks for your interest.
Eventually we will have GPS Track files available that can be copied to your GPS device or Mapping Software to show you the actual route travelled. Actual travelled routes can vary substantially from mapping software and published maps.
In addition to our 'Where We Ride' page, you can click on the 'Favorite Rides' link above to see some of the favorite rides of some of our members. The intent is to provide you with enough information to confidently ride in places you have never been to before. Each entry is submitted by our members and includes pictures and a detailed description of the ride.
Marlette Lake area
To get to Marlette Lake: Use the trailhead at Spooner Summit on Hwy 50, N39.105560 W119.891968, limited trailer parking just off the highway just west of the highway maintenance building ($2 parking fee). Another parking option (limited) is at Spooner Lake State Park (parking fee) on Hwy 28 N39.106249 W119.919067. Other popular points of entry are Hobart Road in Lakeview Estates on the north side of Carson City N39.2033969 W119.817414, Kings Canyon and Ash Canyon on the west side.
'The Gang' at Spencers Cabin: members Cindy, Kelly, Deby and Tracey with guest Jennifer. N39.113741 W119.914475
Coming down 'The New Trail' to Marlette Lake N39.160733 W119.900302.
LOOKS COLD! Kelly, Deby and Cindy pose at the pass on the main trail before dropping down to Marlette Lake. N39.154876 W119.895772
Star Lake area
To get to Star Lake: Take Highway 88 south to Highway 89. Go about 1.7 miles and turn right N38.79139 W119.93241. This dirt road is very hard to see, very easy to miss, very steep and very bumpy. 4 wheel drive is recommended, you'll be glad you have low range to save your brakes when coming back down. Take this road about 3.5 miles to Armstrong Pass N38.83208 W119.89837, good parking area with creek. Trail head is across the bridge to the west.
Star Lake can also be reached fron Kingsbury Grade: Take Tramway Drive south to the end to catch the Tahoe Rim Trail N38.95997 W119.88778. It is about 7 miles from the trailhead to Star Lake. Water may or may not be available this way until you get to Star Lake.
The Trail from Armstrong Pass to Star Lake is fairly easy and footing is good. We do OK with barefoot horses. The elevation gets up to 9600 feet, Star Lake is about 9100 feet. Distance is about 6.5 miles. Occasional water crossings along the way. Great views in every direction.
A little grazing time at Star Lake. N38.876702 W119.889655.
Some of the trails to Star Lake are a little steep.
Hobart Reservoir area
To get to Hobart Reservoir: Come in from Marlette Lake (see Marlette Lake above). From the south end of Marlette Lake take the dirt road by the restroom north to Hobart Reservoir, about 4 miles. One alternate route is from Hobart Road in Lake View Estates: about 4.5 miles this way. The first 2.5 mile climb up from Hobart Road is long and steep. You will climb almost 2000 feet in 2.5 miles. For a little longer ride from Hobart Road take the flume road to Red House N38.20583 W119.87405 and then back around to Hobart Reservoir. This route is about 7 miles.
Cindy (VP of BCHN Carson Valley, on Annie, sleeping) snaps a picture of members Doug & Patty and riding friends Gina & Carolyn watering their horses on a ride to Hobart. N39.1929 W119.8656
Raymond Lake area
To get to Raymond Lake: From Carson Valley take Highway 88 south to Blue Lakes Road. Take Blue Lakes Road (left, paved) about 10.5 miles to Tamarac intersection N38.619315 W119.911229 (google maps shows it as Sunset Lake Road) and turn left. The pavement ends after a hundred yards or so, go another hundred yards on the gravel road to the horse parking area on the right. Trailhead is NNE through hiker parking area (restrooms).
The trail to Raymond Lake is part of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), it is about 18 miles round trip. Most of the trail is fairly easy, some rocky areas, shoes recommended but we used Easy Boots on the front with no problem. The climb up to the Raymond Lake trail is a little technical with some very steep drop-offs, not recommended for inexperienced horses. Lots of water along the way. From Raymond Lake the Pacific Crest Trail continues south to Ebbetts Pass. This is a beautiful ride with great views.
Raymond Lake, 9000 feet elevation, is well worth the ride. N38.6103 W119.8344
Sonia at Raymond Lake on Coppertone.
Bodie, CA
Bodie is southeast of Bridgeport CA and due north of Mono Lake. Take Highway 395 south of Bridgeport 7 miles to SR 270, then east 12.5 miles to Bodie State Park.
Dave on Ghost surveying Bodie, CA N38.213196 W119.015081
Hot Springs Mountain (Pine Nut Area)
Hot Springs Mountain, in the Pine Nuts area, has easy access from many areas. One of the easiest places to park is at the end of Stephanie Way off of Highway 395. There is a nice gravel parking area that is large enough for horse trailers to get in and out.
Cindy looks out over the Johnson Lane area on Annie. This area is a great winter riding area with good footing and pretty views. There are literally hundreds of miles of trails and dirt roads in this area. N39.046851 W119.699319
For maps of these areas and others check out NVTrailMaps.com.