Carson City, Nevada

Looking for the best hiking in Carson City? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Carson City. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

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Top Hiking Spots in and near Carson City

  • Olympic Valley, California

    Hike to Lake Estelle and Five Lakes

    6 mi / 1000 ft gain
    This hike starts at Alpine Meadows Base Camp and finishes on Alpine Meadows Road. The end point is less than a half mile from the base, and an easy walk up a slight hill. Park at base camp and head on the trail to the far right of all of the lifts. Proceed up the trail for half a mile (this is th...
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  • Olympic Valley, California

    Hike the Shirley Canyon Cascades Trail

    5.0
    3.6 mi / 2109 ft gain
    This trail has lots of elevation over a short distance, be warned! The Shirley Canyon Cascades Trail is close to Olympic Valley in the North Lake Tahoe region. Dogs are allowed on this trail if kept on leash. 
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  • Tahoe City, California

    Hike the Ellis Peak Trail

    5.0
    6.3 mi / 1660 ft gain
    The Ellis Peak Trail is close to North Lake Tahoe. The trail features scenic wildflowers in the spring and summer. Dogs are allowed on the trail but must be kept on leash.  Directions from Truckee: Take Highway 80 south and drive to Tahoe City - continue south on Highway 89 from Tahoe City for 4....
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  • Sparks, Nevada

    Sparks Marina Loop

    4.0
    1.94 mi / 30 ft gain
    Sparks Marina Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Sparks, Nevada.
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  • Glen Alpine Trailhead, California

    Susie Lakes via Glen Alpine Trailhead

    5.0
    7.96 mi / 1496 ft gain
    Starting at the Glen Alpine trailhead (best access to Susie Lake): To get to the trailhead, head toward Fallen Leaf Lake in South Lake Tahoe. From HWY 89, turn onto Fallen Leaf Rd and drive past the summer homes and marina until you reach a small firehouse on the left side of the road. You'll fol...
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  • South Lake Tahoe, California

    Gilmore Lake in Desolation Wilderness

    4.0
    8.66 mi / 1919 ft gain
    The easiest way to get to Gilmore Lake is to start at the Glen Alpine trailhead. The trail head is southwest of Fallen Leaf Lake. There is a decently sized parking lot at the trailhead, but parking is also available on the road up. Because desolation is a wilderness area, you must fill out a perm...
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  • Glen Alpine Trailhead, California

    Lake Aloha via Glen Alpine Trailhead

    5.0
    11.76 mi / 1811 ft gain
    The hike to Lake Aloha via the Glen Alpine Trailhead is one of the most iconic alpine adventures in the Desolation Wilderness near South Lake Tahoe. Known for its stunning granite terrain, sparkling alpine lakes, and panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada, this trail offers an unforgettable day hik...
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  • Tahoma, California

    Glen Alpine Falls and Grass Lake

    4.8
    5.29 mi / 725 ft gain
    Park your car at the Glen Alpine Trailhead adjacent to Lily Lake and southwest of Fallen Leaf Lake. Head west on Glen Alpine Creek Trail passing Lily Lake on your left. After a little over a mile and a half of trekking through the alpine forest and taking in mountain views, you'll arrive at Alpin...
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  • Tahoma, California

    Hike to Half Moon Lake in Desolation Wilderness

    5.0
    11 mi / 1600 ft gain
    This hike starts at the Glen Alpine Trailhead near Fallen Leaf Lake. Because Desolation is a wilderness area, you are required to fill out a day-use permit which can be found at the trailhead. If you are backpacking make sure to obtain an overnight permit either online or at the Taylor Creek Visi...
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  • Reno, Nevada

    Upper Chalk Creek Trail

    4.0
    1.44 mi / 121 ft gain
    Upper Chalk Creek Trail is an out-and-back trail located near Reno, Nevada.
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  • Reno, Nevada

    May Arboretum and Herman Pond Trail

    4.3
    1.07 mi / 89 ft gain
    The May Arboretum and Herman Pond Trail, located in Reno, Nevada, is a peaceful and scenic walk through the beautiful Wilbur D. May Arboretum within Rancho San Rafael Park. The trail is family-friendly and offers easy walking paths surrounded by a variety of plants, flowers, and water features, m...
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  • Echo Lake, California

    Hike Flagpole Peak from the bottom of Echo Summit

    3.5 mi / 1900 ft gain
    For this hike there are two places you can start from. One is at the Echo Lakes parking lot and the other is at the bottom of Echo Summit (where we started at). Parking at the gun tower at the bottom of Echo Summit you'll be looking right at the face of Flagpole. After parking just off the side o...
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  • Reno, Nevada

    Miners Trail to The "N"

    3.5
    1.89 mi / 371 ft gain
    Miners Trail to The "N" is an out-and-back trail that provides a good opportunity to view wildlife located near Reno, Nevada.
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  • Echo Lake, California

    Echo Lakes Trail

    4.0
    5.07 mi / 440 ft gain
    The Echo Lakes Trail goes through California's Desolation Wilderness and features incredible views. This trail is rated as moderate, and is best for excited beginners or intermediate hikers. This hike takes roughly 3.5-4 hours. Dogs are allowed on trail if kept on leash. The trail is best used fr...
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  • South Lake Tahoe, California

    Hike to Freel Peak

    5.0
    7.3 mi / 2474 ft gain
    Mt. Tallac may be one of the Lake Tahoe Basin's most famous peaks to hike because of its fantastic views of Lake Tahoe, but my personal favorite view in Tahoe is from the top of Freel Peak or Jobs Sister. Freel Peak is the tallest peak in the Lake Tahoe Basin at 10,881 feet.From the top of Freel...
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  • Echo Lake, California

    "Waterfall Camp" in Desolation Wilderness

    4.7
    10.5 mi / 1522 ft gain
    Although this hike can be done as a day hike, it is an awesome place to camp. There is a lot to explore and you will want to spend as much there time as you can. The easiest way to start this hike is to start at the Echo Lakes. There is ample parking above the marina and you even have the option ...
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