Work to begin next month on a trail to connect Carson canyons

With the announcement of a nearly $160,000 grant, work is expected to begin next month on a trail to connect Kings and Ash canyons in west Carson City.

"It's fantastic news," said Ann Bollinger, natural resource specialist with the Carson City Parks Department. "We're so excited to finally see it on the ground."

The 7.5-mile multi-use trail will run from Kings Canyon to Ash Canyon, beginning at around 5,600 feet and climbing 1,100 feet to the highest point of 6,700 feet. The average grade will be about 6 percent.

Views from the trail will take in the entire city, along with Job's Peak, the Sweetwater Range and Washoe Lake.

The $159,683 grant was awarded from the Recreational Trails Program, through Nevada State Parks, to the U.S. Forest Service, where six miles of the trail will be located. The remaining mile and a half will be on city land.

Muscle Powered, Carson City's advocacy group to promote walking and cycling, will organize volunteers to construct the portion of trail on the city's land.

Bollinger said the trail construction, including installation of two bridges, is anticipated to take two years. Existing parking areas will be used at both trail heads.

She said that the trail - open to equestrians, cyclists, walkers and runners - will be a welcome addition to the city.

"Trails are probably one of the most common requests we hear in this community," she said. "I hear it at local workshops and conferences, even the board of supervisors. People are getting outdoors, even if it's just walking."

Although there are already trails throughout the area, many cross boundaries into private property or land owned by other agencies.

This trail, she said, would be officially sanctioned and could be advertised for regional events.

"For locals, it will be great," Bollinger said. "For tourists, it will be great."