Historic V&T Railroad Trail

The Historic V&T Railroad Trail follows a path that gains gradually in height along the base of the Sierra in the northern area of Carson City.

Made up of the grade built and used by the Virginia & Truckee Railroad that once connected the mines of Virginia City to the mills in Carson City and later were extended up to Reno, today the old grade has no physical tracks, however the cut along the hills generally remains a spacious dirt track that opens to wide views across the valley. In fact, despite the highway being in view nearly the entire length of the hike, this trail still maintains a feeling of being distant from much of the noise and development of the city below.

Popular amongst walkers, hikers and mountain bikers, the trail runs on a slight grade for nearly its entire length. Most of the path is wide single track, however washouts and growth, along with stretches of soft sand, make the hike a bit technical in a few places. However its is generally doable by most ability levels. 

There are two trailheads - one at either end. We feel it makes more sense to start at the Murphy Drive trailhead, as that will leave the downhill slope for the second half of the hike. The uphill trailhead at the old Lakeview Station location begins with a bit more technical path, getting very narrow in some places as it is hugged by the hillside and highway. There is spacious parking in gravel areas at either trailhead.

The Historic V&T Railroad Trail intersects with a few other hiking trails along its path. Most trails are unsigned, however the geography makes it easy to know your way around. 

At 4 miles round trip, this makes a mostly easy walk in the hills above Carson City.

Visitors should be aware that aside from a couple benches and interpretive signs at trailheads and along the route, there are no amenities of any kind. With no shade, plan for a hot exposed hike during the warmer months.