Spring has sprung in Nevada! Discover the best places to view wildflowers here!

Pine Nut Mountain Range

A beautiful trail system that is seemingly endless and full of rich Nevada history. 
Trail Uses
Utv/jeep driving Atv riding Dirt biking Horseback riding Hiking Mountain biking E-biking
Location
Carson City, Douglas County, Lyon County
Length
980.00 miles (Network)
Difficulty
Easy, Moderate, Difficult
Towns
Carson City, Dayton, Gardnerville, Minden, Smith Valley, Wellington
Surface
Dirt, Sand
Pets
Permitted on Leash
Fees
No
Wilderness Study Areas
Burbank Canyons Wilderness Study Area

Description

The Pine Nut Mountain Range is located in Northwestern Nevada and extends from the Dayton area in the North, to State Highway 208 on the Walker River in the South. This mountain range provides an extensive system of roads and trails that range from single track to trails wider than 50’’, and is easily accessible from Dayton, Carson City, and the Carson Valley.  

The area provides fun riding for all levels of difficulty and is primarily hard packed dirt or sand, with the occasional rocky hill climb. The highest peak in the mountain range is Mt. Siegel, at 9451’. As with most Nevada off-road areas, weather events and snow may cause roads to wash out or be impassable.

Trails will take the rider from the sagebrush-covered foothills up into the Pinyon and Juniper forest, and provides beautiful views of the valleys and the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains.  There are also several historic mining sites to visit, including the town of Como. Several state recreation areas provide direct access to the Pine Nut Mountain range including; Fort Church Hill State Park and Wilson Canyon Recreation Area.  

Hundreds of wild horses roam the Pine Nut Mountain Range. Keep an eye out as there is a high chance of seeing a few on your ride!

Other Information

Given that portions of the Pine Nut Mountain Range are designated wilderness, only hikers and equestrians are allowed within the wilderness boundary. Motorized and mechanized use is only permitted on surrounding non-wilderness trails. Please be respectful of the wilderness boundary and only travel on designated roads and trails for your activity type. Horses are allowed and only certified weed free hay can be brought in. Currently, USDA Forest Service policy considers E-Bikes to be motorized vehicles, and therefore, are restricted to roads and trails designated for motorized use.

For more information on OHV trails in Nevada, visit https://ohv.nv.gov/ 

While visiting the Pine Nut mountain range, make sure to check out some of the best local attractions and trails in Carson City, Minden, Gardnerville and Dayton!

Check out Travel Nevada for some of the must see attractions in the area. 

For more information on the Pine Nut Mountains and what you can do to help keep the trails ridable, visit the Pine Nut Mountains Trails Association website!

Visit the Carson Valley website for more fun events, lodging and other unique outdoor experiences!

Trail Manager

For more information visit the BLM website or contact:

Bureau of Land Management - Carson City District Office

Bureau of Land Management - Carson City District Office
5665 Morgan Mill Rd.
Carson City , Nevada 89701
Phone: 775-885-6000
BLM_NV_CCDOwebmail@blm.gov
View website

Download

Download map files for your own use.

Working with Downloaded Files

Recreate Responsibly

Plan Ahead and Prepare
Be prepared for emergencies. Pack extra clothing, food, and water and also a flashlight, first aid and repair kit, matches/fire starters, whistle, signaling mirror, and pocket knife.
Legend
|
Hide All

Trailhead Information

From Hwy 50 in Dayton: Access points are located at Como Road and at the Dayton Rodeo Grounds off of Dayton Valley Road.

From Carson City: Take the Fairview Drive exit East from Interstate 580. Turn right onto Carson River Rd, then Right onto Sierra Vista Lane after crossing the river.  Multi-Use trailhead is about a mile down on the right.

Johnson Lane Access:  Turn east onto Johnson Lane off of Highway 395 south of Carson City. Trailhead is at end of road.

Pinenut Road Access: There are two staging areas off of Pinenut Road, south of Gardnerville.  Take Hwy. 395 South, turn east onto Muller Parkway and right onto Pinenut Road. Trailheads are about 2.5 miles east.

Click on a parking icon to get custom directions
Please Log In or Create Account to add comments.
SHARE THIS TRAIL
PRINT THIS TRAIL

Add Trail Log

Please wait…
Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube
Join In on the Fun!
Log in or create an account below to unlock all the great features of Nevada Trail Finder: keep track of trails you want to do, preserve memories of trails you’ve done, earn badges, and more!
Your log in attempt was not successful. Please try again.
    Lost your password? Reset your password
    Don't yet have an account?
    There was an issue with your submission. Please try again.
      * Indicates required field
      Already have an account? Login here
      Enter your username, and we will send you a new, randomly generated password to your email account.
      There was an issue with your submission. Please try again.

        Success! A new password has been emailed to you.

        Log in now

        Please wait…