Today I walked the proposed trail connecting Kings Canyon Rd. to Ash Canyon Rd. The distance is about two miles, and it took me four hours to complete. The first half of the trail is on Forest Service land. Provided the agency gives its approval to this project, our only challenge will be the terrain.

The second half of the trail is a different story. It is on Carson City land, which is good, but there is a bit of private land to the west which happens to be the most desirable route. I hope when surveyed, we’re safely below the west boundary. Next week I’ll pick up an overlay map from the city that will have the contour lines and private property boundaries.

Now for the good stuff. Climbing out of Kings Canyon Rd. to the first saddle there is a steep side slope with a mix of pine, sagebrush, manzanita and grass. Perfect for discouraging ATV use. After walking over the saddle I started my descent into North Kings Canyon. To my surprise I found an old road bed leading right where I needed to be; it crossed the creek well above the waterfall.

Descent into North Kings Canyon

That’s how it went for most of my walk. When I needed a route one would appear, whether it was an old road or an animal trail.

Middle Bench

When I got to the second half of the proposed trail I was able get a closer view of the multiple terraces that dot the city owned property of our route. My friend Josh told me they were constructed in the 40′s(?) in an attempt to retain more water for Carson City. Interesting, sure, but I was more interested to see if we could use a terrace as part of our trail. Upon closer inspection I think we can.

Terraces Above Taylor Flat

At this point in the day I was getting tired, so I made my way down to Ash Canyon Rd. Along the way I came upon the largest, healthiest bear scat I had ever seen. This thing looked as if the bear was getting three square meals a day. I wouldn’t be surprised if when he sat down to take this massive dump he relaxed, took in the fantastic view, read the Nevada Appeal, and didn’t even bother to lift his nose towards the F.B.C riders whoopin’ and hollerin’ on the trails below.

This first scouting of the trail is just a preliminary walk. Max and I will be walking and marking the trail within the next two weeks.

View of Baldy Green from across Ash Canyon

Carson City Below

I lifted this from the F.B.C. site. Hope you don’t mind.

I thought I would let everyone know about the progress we are making on getting trails built (with permission) on the west side of Carson City. For anyone who isn’t familiar with C.C.’s Unified Pathways Master Plan (UPMP) you can download the pdf file here.

The trail we will be focusing on is the middle trail, which connects Kings Canyon Road to Ash Canyon Road. After talking with Parks and Recreation director Roger Moellendorf and Open Space manager Juan Guzman, I’m confident a trail network will be constructed on the west side in the near future. Both gentlemen were positive and enthusiastic that someone was willing to step up to the plate and build the proposed trails.

This past week I also met with the board of directors of Muscle Powered, a Carson City organization that has been on the scene for ten years and is dedicated to creating a walkable and bicycle friendly community. You can find some of their accomplishments here. After giving my nervous sales pitch, the board voted unanimously in support of the construction of trails on the west side of Carson City. President Anne Macquarie has graciously offered to do the environmental assessment report that will be required by the Forest Service before we’re allowed to break ground (the proposed trail crosses through Carson City and Forest Service land). Thank you Anne, and thank you board of directors of Muscle Powered.

If you are not already a member of Muscle Powered, please consider it. I don’t believe this project would succeed, or at least it would be more difficult, without their help.

And to leave you with an even more positive note, Max Jones will be designing the sweet singletrack.

HAPPY TRAILS!