Overview

The Pine Nut Trails offer all-season and all-skill riding for Carson-area and Tahoe locals. Located on the southeast side of Carson Valley, this popular area contains a large network of singletrack routes for cross-country enthusiasts. There is even a spot with several challenging downhills for the daring.

Much of the riding is done in a desert setting, albeit with regular views of Job's Peak, Mt. Siegel, and Carson Valley. Summertime rides are hot, but otherwise this area is a great alternative to snow-choked trails in Tahoe.

Most of the trails are done as loops, following winding singletrack that was originally established by motorbikes. Many jeep trails also intersect the singletracks, making for infinite combinations and hundreds of miles of potential exploring. There are several singletrack loops that are pretty much dedicated to MTB, however do not be surprised if you meet motorcycles. Some of the pure motorcycle trails are too sandy for MTB's, but these are mostly in wash bottoms. Much of the climbing involved is shallow angle, but again, there are trails that will go as steep as you like...

There are singletrack rides as short as 5 miles and as long as 30. The most common procedure is to start at the Pine Nut Road Trailhead and ride north across the road, following a singletrack that loops east. Eventually, this track crosses the road again and winds through small hills towards the Pine Nut Road Saddle. Several forks and variations are available. If you climb all the way to the Saddle, you can find your way to the south and come down a long looping trail that takes you back down to The Sandbox. This section involves a lot of ups and downs across a steep wash, and can be pretty strenuous, but interesting. There is even a ride up Buffalo Canyon on the south side that can take you back up to an old mining shack on a hillside facing the amazing views of Carson Valley and the mountains around Tahoe.

In short, creativity and a little exploring can reveal awesome sections and loops. Keep in mind that most of the trails meander quite a bit, and so their apparent direction is not always where they end up!

Getting There

To get to the Pine Nut Road Trailhead, drive to the intersection of Pine Nut Road and Highway 395 south of Gardnerville at the 7-11 store. Turn east for 2 miles where a sharp left is made onto Pine Nut Road #2 just across from the Fairgrounds (if you get to the entrance of the local Waste Transfer Station, you have gone too far). Follow PNR#2 for 1.2 miles and look for the Trailhead on the right with a large dirt parking area outlined with railroad ties.

Red Tape

The land you are riding on is primarily BLM land, but there are isolated squares of private ground scattered throughout the mountains. Sometimes you might discover somebody's residence far off the main road where you would least expect it. Act with courtesy, and you can expect the same in return.

There are also many people riding dirt bikes, horses, and quads out there, so keep aware.

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