A New Adventure Begins

Audrey Payne from Boulder and Julianne Mahoney from Durango have been named winners of the Carson City to Canada Quest contest organized by Visit Carson City. Their journey, starting this June, will take them on a remarkable 1,600-mile trek along the Pacific Crest Trail, commencing from Nevada’s state capital.

Unified Pathways Master Plan (UPMP)

While the contest garnered significant media attention, it is essential to highlight the pivotal role of the Unified Pathways Master Plan (UPMP). This comprehensive framework laid the groundwork for the newly opened 9.8-mile Capital to Tahoe Trail, designed to seamlessly connect hikers from Carson City to the Pacific Crest Trail.

The UPMP serves as a blueprint for desired pathways in Carson City, encompassing hiking trails, street crossings, and river corridors. Its primary objective is to ensure accessible routes to schools, parks, and neighborhoods, all without relying on motor vehicles. The successful realization of the Capital to Tahoe Trail—which took eight years to complete—demonstrates the significance of a well-supported regional trails plan.

“The advantage of having the plan is so that there is a clear path forward,” said Gregg Berggren, trails coordinator for Carson City Parks, Recreation, and Open Space.

Collaboration Among Agencies

In the Reno/Sparks area, a collaborative effort is key to managing public spaces, with multiple stakeholders including city and county entities, federal agencies, and private entities. Organizations like the Biggest Little Trail Stewardship (BLTS), Tahoe-Pyramid Trail, and the Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation contribute to the planning, construction, and maintenance of trails.

The Truckee Meadows Trails Initiative (TMT) plays a crucial role in fostering cooperation among these groups, enhancing communication and cohesion in trail development.

“Everybody was an island, so to speak, working on their own things,” noted Jay Howard, TMT trails program manager.

Community Input and Trail Development

Community feedback has been instrumental in shaping trail connectivity. According to Berggren, trails and connectivity ranked among the top priorities for the public. Both the UPMP and TMT aim to construct new trails and link existing ones to enhance accessibility across communities.

Howard emphasizes the importance of incorporating trail proposals in urban development plans to ensure continued access to public lands:

“We would like to be a part of these new developments that come along to ensure trails are always incorporated properly,” Howard stated.

Notable Achievements of UPMP and TMT

Since its adoption in 2006, the UPMP has facilitated the development of several key trails, including the Prison Hill Trail East, with the Prison Hill Trail West set to open soon, and Buzzy’s Ranch Trail, which follows the Carson River. The upcoming Centennial Trails Project aims to connect northern Carson City to Washoe Lake State Park and potentially further to Virginia City.

Similarly, the TMT has enabled the establishment of the Sierra Front Trail, linking Ballardini Ranch to Thomas Creek, with future plans extending connectivity to Mammoth.

Future Developments

Upcoming projects under the TMT plan include the Virginia Range Regional Trail Corridor and the Los Altos Loops, which connect essential trail systems in the region. The TMT plan, formally adopted by Reno in October 2024, awaits similar approvals from Sparks and Washoe County to enhance its legitimacy.

These developments highlight the importance of regional planning efforts to ensure trails are viable and accessible as communities continue to grow.

Public Engagement and Support

The achievements of both UPMP and TMT reflect strong public involvement in planning regional trails. Residents are encouraged to participate in planning meetings and share their insights to shape the future of trail development.

Support for these initiatives can also be shown through donations to organizations like the Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation, Muscle Powered, and others advocating for accessible trails and outdoor spaces.