Carson City Parks and Recreation

In light of current directives from the Governor related to health concerns, many facilities are closed, leaving few options for exercise and recreation. The Carson City Parks, Recreation & Open Space Department reports that an unprecedented number of people are utilizing Carson City’s more than 8,000 acres of parks, trails and open space. Trailhead parking in some locations is over capacity.

The Waterfall trailhead on Kings Canyon Road is experiencing especially large numbers of visitors, resulting in traffic congestion and parking related issues. Carson City, in cooperation with the USDA Forest Service, is cautioning people to avoid this trailhead during peak times, especially mid-day and on weekends.

On Carson City Parks, Recreation and Open Space’s facebook, a video was posted by Ranger Costello detailing the overcrowding at the trail head, can be viewed below.

The existing parking area can safely accommodate about ten vehicles and if it is full, the public is asked to go to other trailhead locations. Please do not park along Kings Canyon Road, which may impact access for local residents and emergency vehicles. Carson City may be placing signs and barricades to reduce traffic in this area and parking violations may be cited. If these mitigations are not effective, trailhead closure may be considered.

Carson City reminds everyone to practice social distancing while recreating and encourages people to discover new trails and trailheads that may be less crowded. Here are some suggestions:

East Silver Saddle Ranch

Silver Saddle Ranch

Prison Hill

Empire Ranch Trail

Wildhorse Trail (Centennial Park)

Ambrose Natural Area

Ash to Kings Trail

Freeway Multi-Use Pathway

V&T Trail

Linear Ditch Trail

Fairview Drive Multi-Use Pathway

For maps and more information visit these sources:

For timely updates visit:

carson.org and the Carson City Parks, Recreation & Open Space Department Facebook page.