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Clear Creek Trail System

A beautiful trail system with stunning views of Carson Valley with connection to the Lake Tahoe Basin.   
Trail Uses
Hiking Mountain biking Horseback riding
Location
Douglas County
Length
30.00 miles (Network)
Difficulty
Easy, Moderate
Towns
Carson City, Indian Hills
Surface
Dirt, River/Stream
Pets
Permitted on Leash
Fees
No

Description

The Clear Creek Trail, Clear Creek Connector, James Lee Loops and Jacks Valley Loop currently make up the Clear Creek Trail System. All are open to hikers, mountain bikers, equestrians and dogs. The Clear Creek Trail is about 22 miles long. The upper section begins at the Spooner Summit Trailhead behind the restroom on the south side of Highway 50. The lower section begins at the James Lee Park Trailhead. Access via the Clear Creek Connector is 2 miles long from the Clear Creek Connector Trailhead. The other two access points are from the Jacks Valley Road and Jacks Valley School Trailheads. These two trailheads along with the James Lee Park Trailhead provide access to the shorter James Lee Loops and to the longer Jacks Valley Loop which overlaps much of the Clear Creek Trail.

Other Information

Clear Creek trail map provided by Carson Valley Trails Association. 

Segments of this trail traverse private land; please be respectful and stay on the trail. 

For more information on the trails check out the Carson Valley Trails Association trails overview.

The trail can be quite narrow at times, yield to other users accordingly. 

For equestrian specific information visit Nevada Horse Trails!

Trail Manager

For more information regarding trail closures, visitor resources and recreation regulations please visit the US Forest Service website, or contact:

For more information regarding local trail conditions and volunteer opportunities please visit the Carson Valley Trails Association website, or contact:

US Forest Service - Carson Ranger District

US Forest Service - Carson Ranger District
1536 South Carson Street
Carson City, NV 89701
Phone: (775) 882-2766
View website

Carson Valley Trails Association

Carson Valley Trails Association
P.O. Box 222
Minden, NV 89423
View website

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Make a Plan B before you head out the door. If the parking lot is full when you arrive at the trailhead, go to your second destination.
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Trailhead Information

James Lee Park Trailhead:

Parking is available in the marked stalls that lead to the ballfield and cul-de-sac. Equestrian parking is not allowed in the park.

Jacks Valley School Trailhead:

A large dispersed area where equestrians currently park on the north side of the fenced solar panel area, and autos generally park on the south side near the kiosk. Parking is not allowed on the pavement. 

Jacks Valley Road Trailhead:

A long pullout for about 12-15 autos along the north side of Jacks Valley Road located 0.3 miles west of the school. Equestrian parking is not available.

Clear Creek Connector Trailhead:

Although not a formal trailhead,  parking is available for about a half dozen autos either next to the flood detention basin or along the shoulder near the interchange tunnel. From here, the trail begins directly on the south side of the parking pullout area.

Spooner Summit Trailhead:

Located on the south side of Highway 50. Horse trailers can sometimes park here if space is available; however, trailers can also park along the large pullout shoulder directly west of the Spooner South Trailhead entrance, or by parking at a dirt pullout location a quarter mile east of Spooner Summit on the north side of the highway.

Click on a parking icon to get custom directions
Please Log In or Create Account to add comments.
genoadeby@yahoo.com
January 04, 2024
I rode my horse with a friend for the first time on this trail System a couple of months or so back. Since that time, I’ve ridden it four more times and am looking forward to riding my bike. The low Hills and compacted trails make for an excellent easy days ride, and unlike Faye Luther, in the winter, the sun is out and warm.

The best part of this trail… The views!
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