Prison Hill features seven trails for users to enjoy. The longest and more strenuous loop is the Escape from Prison Hill Loop, which includes the North Loop, Dead Truck Canyon Trail, Valley View Loop, Mexican Ditch Trail, and the West Loop. There are trail markers placed about every mile. The trails are well maintained and are mostly comprised of sand and dirt footing.
Portions of the Escape from Prison Hill Loop intersect with the OHV play area; keep an eye out for oncoming traffic.
The Prison Hill trail connecting 5th street trailhead to Silver Saddle Ranch is the only ADA trail at this time.
Motorized trail use is reserved to only the southern end of the hill. The major staging area is located at 3100 Golden Eagle Lane. Please stick to designated trails. Visit The Dirt for more information about the OHV trails.
For more information about Carson City, visit the Carson City government website or the Visit Carson City tourism website.
For additional information, visit the Carson City Parks, Recreation and Open Space website, or contact:
Download map files for your own use.
The trails can be accessed from several locations around Prison Hill:
5th Street Trailhead
The first starting point is at the Prison Hill Recreation Area. There is a large parking lot with restrooms. Begin the trail to the left of the trail kiosk and follow the 2-mile flat walking path that follows Saddle Ranch Road until you reach a smaller parking area and more trail head kiosks.
Go east on E 5th Street (NV-513) 2.5 miles from it's junction with South Carson Street, or east 1.5 miles on Fairview Drive from I-580. From the traffic circle, go 0.3 miles to Carson River Road on the right. The parking area is immediately on the right on Carson River Road.
Carson River Park, smaller lot (2648 Carson River Road)
This is a popular starting point for accessing the Prison Hill trail system and Silver Saddle Ranch. Immediate trails include a portion of Escape from Prison Hill, Valley View Loop, Mexican Ditch Trail and the River Trail.
From NV-529 (South Carson Street) head east on Fairview Drive. Go 2.4 miles, then at the traffic circle take the first exit onto East 5th Street. Go 0.2 miles, turn right onto Carson River Road. Go 2 miles to the parking area for Carson River Park on the left. A detailed kiosk will direct you to various trails on the hill.
Koontz Lane, via water tower (2044 Koontz Lane)
This entrance gives access to the West Loop, Escape from Prison Hill, and the North Loop.
From NV-529 (South Carson Street) head east on East Clearview Drive. Go 0.5 miles and turn left on South Edmunds Drive. Go 0.4 miles to Kootz Lane on the right; there is a sign indicating Prison Hill.
Bear activity is high in this area. Keep (people) (pets) (property) safe. Keep bears wild. For more information on the BearWise campaign, visit the Recreate Responsibly page, or click on this link to learn how to be BearWise in the outdoors.
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