Carson River Canyon could draw locals and tourists

With the coming of the V&T Railroad, it was the opportune time to explore the Carson River Canyon.

We parked most of the cars at the Brunswick Canyon entrance just off of Deer Run Road. Then we all piled into one car and drove in about a mile and half, we parked just past the gravel pit and before the site of the old crush mill ruins.

From there, we walked east along the old rail bed. You can't help noticing the contrasts here.

The river and walls of the canyon are so beautiful and at the same time there is so much trash here.

There is a certain element of people who just see this area as a convenient dumping ground. Also the brush on the sides of canyon has trapped a large number of plastic trash bags that blow in from the landfill to the north.

There is a lot of work that will need to be done to clean up this area before the tourist trains start rolling through here.

We walked in about another mile, mile and a half before we turned off of the road and wandered down to the river.

We didn't get all the way in to where the V&T work crews have closed off the road to all motorized traffic. We found a beautiful spot with not too much trash where we could enjoy a potluck picnic supper.

As the train progresses, it will be interesting to watch the changes in the canyon. I personally think that the train will generally be positive as it will be in everyone's best interest to clean up the canyon and keep it that way.

I just hope that we can still find a way for hikers, bicyclists, and fishermen to share the canyon and river.

If we all pull together, we can return the river to something close to its original wild status, something that will attract outdoor enthusiasts to come and visit.

Just think what we could accomplish if each of us that goes in brings out just one bag of trash. A place us locals and tourists alike to enjoy.

After enjoying our picnic we retraced our steps along the rail bed to the car. Along the way we admired how the change in light from setting sun affects the canyon walls. The greens from the lichen-covered rocks just seemed to glow.

If you are interested in joining some of our walks feel free to contact me.

• Donna Inversin is walk leader for Muscle-Powered (www.musclepowered.org) and co-chairwoman for special events for We Can. She can be reached at 775-315-6763.