On public lands the majority of trails are open to a variety of users. Trails suitable for hiking or horseback riding, plus two-wheeled vehicles such as mountain bikes or motorized trail bikes, have characteristics that make them favorites of one or more types of user. Frequently not all users like every trail. Users pretty much limit themselves if, for example, a trail is too steep, narrow or rocky for their favorite activity. Other trails are restricted by responsible agencies to prohibit certain users in order to protect the environment. We’ve listed restrictions and indicated when trails are favored by certain activities, such as mountain biking. When a trail use is listed as "poor" or "not recommended," that use is not prohibited, but the trail has features that limit or make that trail hazardous to certain users.

SierraOutdoorRecreation.com has listed over 220 trails in our backyard. Except for those we’ve listed as “cross-country” all trails are developed and maintained for recreation users. Some are maintained at higher standards than others and others are maintained on an infrequent basis.

Equestrian trail riders, mountain biking, and ORV users are also discussed under separate sections highlighting favorite trails of each group. Discussions within each Area include all trails as hikers are the one use that can utilize any or all of the trails. Difficulty rating and times are specific to hikers. In the individual sections highlighting popular trails for other user groups, such as equestrian riders, difficulty ratings and times are discussed for that group of users.

Everyone is interested in miles, elevation changes, and where more detailed information, such as topographic maps, can be located. Difficulty ratings vary by type of user as well as the individual themselves. Time also varies for the same reasons. We encourage you to use the basic data but apply your personal situation and mode of travel to the subjective items.

Every trail we’ve listed includes the basic information shown below. Directions on how to reach trailheads are included. Each trail narrative includes a brief description of what you could expect to experience. Maps add valuable information on finding each location. Individuals not used to reading maps should not attempt hiking trails that are difficult or challenging. Even when using trails with a moderate difficulty, users should carry maps and be experienced in reading them or be with someone who is.

Criteria used to describe each trail:

Miles listed show the length of individual trails and are one-way unless noted as a “loop,” which brings you back to the starting point. Remember to double mileages for the return -- unless you intend to link to another trail and venture off in a different direction. We discuss numerous options.

Difficulty ratings are subjective. Although mileage is one-way except for loops, difficulty ratings often assume you’ll return on the same trail. For example, going downhill to a destination may be easy or moderate, but if the uphill return is much tougher, then the rating reflects that. We often indicate the difficulty rating for each direction.

(1) ADA (Americans Disabilities Act) Ratings reflect wheelchair suitable trails or trails useable by blind persons if accompanied by guides or guide dogs.

(2) Gentle trails indicate a firm, hard surface tread with few tripping hazards. These are usually suitable for individuals with walking limitations, such as the use of canes. When using these trails, it is important for individuals to recognize their abilities and limitations. It is strongly recommended they be accompanied by able-bodied adults to assist as necessary.

(3) Easy is a fun hike for families with young children or moderately healthy seniors. Tripping hazards do exist but are less frequent than the more difficult trails. Some uphill grades will be encountered but are relatively gentle or short. Trails tend to be shorter in length.

(4) Moderate includes some steeper grades or rough footing, and are suitable for reasonably healthy hikers with some experience. Length of the trail to the destination becomes a factor and must be weighed against the health and confidence of each hiker. Proper clothing, good boots, and emergency gear should be considered.

(5) Difficult trails contain steep, sustained grades, rough footing, or are long hikes and are recommended for experienced hikers that are in good shape and are accustomed to mountainous hiking. Elevation gains and losses are frequently a major consideration. Carrying detailed maps such as topographic maps plus emergency gear is encouraged.

(6) Challenging trails contain major elevation gains or losses, steep grades, and (usually) long distances. These are best suited for hearty, experienced hikers who are fit, confident, self reliant -- and know it! Users of these trails should carry detailed maps such as topographic maps and should carry proper emergency gear.

Elevations shown first are trailhead altitudes, and the last is the one-way destination -- unless it’s a loop where the elevation is the same. When there are significant elevation changes from a sustained grade, the listing includes one or more elevations describing intermediate high or low points. The intermediate climbs over a ridge or drops into drainages are often as important as the beginning and ending elevations.

Time is based on hiking an average of two miles per hour, which normally includes short breaks and picture taking. If trails are difficult or challenging, we’ve varied estimated times to reflect that. Remember to approximately double the time to account for the return trip -- unless trials are either a loop or you intend to take a connecting trail.

Topographic maps refer to a 7 ½ minute topographic quadrangle map created by U.S. Geologic Survey (USGS). They are also commonly referred to as “quad” maps. They depict the topographic relief of mountain slopes, ridges, and valleys by contour lines as well as map symbols for both natural and man-made features. They cover slightly less than 64 square miles.

Topographic maps are the best maps available for back-country users. SierraOutdoorRecreation.com provides smaller sections of the larger topographic quad maps for the more popular, individual or groups of clustered trails. Full sized 7 ½ minute topographic quadrangle maps can be ordered from the USGS at www.usgs.gov or purchased at the better outdoor recreation retail stores.

A few reminders:

Leave information on your schedule

If you are setting out on a difficult or challenging trail, especially if you intend to stay over one or more nights, leave your agenda and schedule with someone who will be able to notify authorities if you don’t return on time.

CarrySafety Items

Even for day trips of a few miles, carry safety items with you, such as matches, sufficient water or purifiers, rain gear or water-resistant covering, flashlight, and map. Carry a “space blanket” or something similar that will keep you warm and dry even through a night -- just in case. This is especially true when setting out on challenging hikes.

Cellular Telephones

Don’t assume cellular telephones will be able to connect to a relay -- they seldom do in our area. If you do carry a phone, don’t rely on it. If you do carry one, take the phone number of the local sheriff’s office of the area you are heading into. Dialing 911 connects you to a centralized office that could be miles from your site. Personnel in these offices miles away from your hiking area are not likely to be familiar with where you are lost or need help.

Drinking Water

Drink plenty of water. Purify or bring from home all drinking water. Giardia is a problem everywhere in the mountains. Giardia lamblia lives in the small intestines of wild animals and is spread by their feces. It is readily transmitted to humans who drink water infested with the parasite. Only the best of filters can remove it from the natural water. Boiling at a vigorous roll for 5 minutes normally will kill the parasite. Once infected, humans can suffer for years even under treatment. In short, don’t, don’t, don’t drink untreated water fresh from any wild source, anywhere, anytime.

Avoid Pests

Learn to identify and avoid poison oak; check for ticks and, if necessary remove them properly (in season, they will land on you); avoid snakes and they’ll avoid you; and beware of situations where Hanta Virus can exist. It is spread chiefly by wild rodents and can cause acute respiratory illness, kidney failure and other syndromes. Avoid feces and materials collected for nesting rodents which love to live in old buildings or other dry places.

Private Lands

Private lands overlay much of this area. Avoid or get permission first if the land is posted. Large entities such as Sierra Pacific Industries (SPI), Nevada Irrigation District (NID), and Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) lands have made their lands available to recreationists. Further permission is not required unless you are doing something other than casual recreation.

Campgrounds with Hiking: Dayhikes opportunities

Exceptional

OHV Routes with Hiking: Dayhikes opportunities

Good

Reservoirs with Hiking: Dayhikes opportunities

Exceptional Best Good

River-Stream Access with Hiking: Dayhikes opportunities

Good

Trails with Hiking: Dayhikes opportunities

Exceptional Best Good