UPDATE: During the planning process it was determined Virginia City has sufficient water storage and other water sources, including Hobart Reservoir, which is not being drained, said Tyler Kerver, Education & Information Officer for Nevada Division of State Parks. He noted that Marlette wouldn’t be drained if it posed any threats to water sources. As for Carson City water from Marlette, we have reached out to Nevada Division of Public Works, which is managing the project. We will update as information becomes available.
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The Nevada Division of State Parks has announced upcoming trail closures in the Spooner Lake State Park backcountry due to critical repairs on the Marlette Dam. These closures took effect on March 31, 2025, and will remain in place through 2026.
As part of this essential infrastructure project, Marlette Lake will be drained and closed to all visitors for the duration of the repairs. Trails leading to and surrounding the area will be closed to the public, including:
- North Canyon Road
- Marlette Lake Trail
- Marlette Creek Trail
- Hobart Road from Laxalt Junction to Marlette Lake
- Marlette Dam Trail
- Marlette Flume Trail South from the Rock Slide (see map)
- Marlette Lake Road
- Snow Valley Peak Road
- North Canyon Campground
- Hobbie Leonard Cabin
Additionally, existing closures remain in effect for the following trails due to gas line repairs:
- Franktown Creek Road
- Snapdragon Trail
- Hanna’s Cabin Trail
- Pipeline Road
- Red House Flume Road
- Lakeview Road
While construction is underway, the Tahoe Rim Trail and Capital to Tahoe Trail will remain open, as well as Hobart Reservoir and Ash Canyon Road.
Visitors are reminded that using closed trails and entering construction zones is strictly prohibited. Access for emergency personnel will remain open throughout the project.
For questions or further information, visitors may contact Spooner Lake State Park at 775-749-5980, Jonathan Lesperance from Lumos Inc. at jlesperance@LumosInc.com, or Jason Crosby from Nevada Division of Public Works at (775) 720-0473.
