WASHOE LAKE STATE PARK, NEVADA Washoe Lake Park occupies the eastern and southern shores
of Washoe Lake, and it’s these shores where you’ll probably do most of your riding. You can get down to the water, ride over the dunes and canter along the fl atlands by the lake. All around it, you will get views of the Carson Range or the Sierra Nevada, as the lake occupies a valley bowl amid the mountains. Chances are you’ll ap- preciate the lake; there are very few trees in the park itself, so shade is at a premium. Prepare for hot, dry days in the summer, but bring some- thing cozy because temperatures can drop to 40 degrees at night, even in the summer.
There are a few short loop trails near the lake, and
these give you nice views of the mountains and a good chance of spotting native wildlife, especially waterbirds. These trails, and the dunes and lakeside areas, are fi ne for novice riders and horses, although they can be crowded at weekends in high summer. When you’re done with the lakeside riding, there are some trailheads scattered about which take you up into the hills—these are often steep, so bring fi t, experienced horses. Washoe Lake Park is right next to Lake Tahoe’s parklands, and some trails meet up for almost endless riding across both areas. The park does host a lot of special events, so it’s worth
checking with them before you plan your trip—for example, green horses might not enjoy being there for the hang-gliding festival in June!
MAPS
»You won’t need a map for riding near the lake, and maps of the main trails are available from the park’s head offi ce.
FACILITIES »The main campsite has restrooms with showers, a barbeque area, lights, water, a dump station and picnic tables, but no hookups. There are horse sites at the main campsite where you can use these facilities. Additional trailer parking is available at the North Ramp site, but this is a day use site with minimal facilities.
BRING NON-RIDERS?
»This is a great place for non-riders; there are nature trails, plenty of places to picnic and hike or mountain bike, and lots of water sports available on the lake itself.
CONTACT
»The main park offi ce is at 4855 East Lake Blvd., Carson City, NV, call (775) 687-4319, email
washoela@parks.nv.gov.
DIRECTIONS
»The park is 10 miles north of Carson City and 15 miles south of Reno. Take US 395 north to the East Lake Boulevard exit, than drive north on East Lake Boulevard approximately 3.1 miles to the park entrance.
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MAIN TRAILS
»The Hobart Road Trail is 11 miles, but it’s very steep with a 2,500-foot climb. Once you’re at the top, though, you can splash in the reservoir. This trail also links with closed roads that take you to the Lake Tahoe State Park for almost endless riding.
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