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| Home > Nevada > Prison Hill Recreation |
Prison Hill Recreation Area
Wednesday, December 11, 2024
| Other Names | Snyder Ave, Carson River, Mexican Dam, Nevada State Medium Security Prison, Quilici Dam |
| Last Known Status | Open |
This trail system offers scenic views of the valley and it's unique rock formations provide a fun challenge for both jeeps and motorcycles. The trails surrounding the rock formations are a mixture of sand washes and hardpack, with mostly typical high desert vegetation and terrain with some very steep slopes.
The main staging area offers plenty of room for parking and has a novice friendly play area and makeshift motocross track. Overall this place has a little of everything and is a good spot for a quick day ride.
REGULATIONS
| Permit Required | Yes | NVOHV sticker required |
| Dates Open | Year-Round | |
| Other ATV Stickers Accepted | Yes | Nevada registration is not required if the vehicle is already registered in another state and will be located in Nevada for no more than 15 days. |
| Spark Arrestor | Yes | A spark arresting exhaust silencer or end cap is required for all vehicles. |
| Noise Limit | Yes (96 dB) | |
| Whip Flags | Not Required | |
| Maximum Vehicle Width | No Restriction | |
 Motorcycles & Dirt Bikes | Permitted | |
 ATVs | Permitted | |
 UTV & SXS | Permitted | |
 SUVs & Jeeps (registered) | Permitted | |
| Dune Buggy & Sand Rail 4x4 (unregistered) | Permitted | |
| 2 Stroke Engines | No Restriction | |
 Camping | Prohibited | |
 Campfires | Prohibited | |
| Night Riding | No | riding permitted from dawn to dusk |
| Trail Blazing | Prohibited | no trailblazing |
| Alcohol | Prohibited | |
| Rule Enforcement | Yes | Dedicated Rangers/Officers Jeep/SUV Patrol rangers do daily patrols, some days in a UTV |
| Comment | Nevada state medium security prison is nearby. | |
TERRAIN
| Approx Size | 1,280 acres (2 sq mi) | |
| Miles Of Trail | 10 | |
| Climate Type | Desert | |
| Elevation | 4700 to 5600 ft. | |
| Trail Maintenance | Not Marked, Not Rated, Lightly Maintained | off limits areas may not be marked |
| Loose Dirt |  None | |
| Hard Pack |  Some | |
| Sand |  Mostly | |
| Mud | None | |
| Dust | Some | |
| Rocks |  Little | |
| Trees | None | |
| Steep Hills |  Many | |
| Water Crossings | None | |
| Small Jumps | Some | |
| Large Jumps |  Few | |
| Berms | Some | |
| Sand/Gravel Pits | None | |
| Single Track | Few | |
| Roads | Mostly | |
| Intersections | Some | |
| Rider Traffic | Some | |
| Shade | None | |
| Ranges/Gunfire | Few | |
| Hazards | Few | (hazards not marked) one way steep hills, glass and rebarb |
 Novice | Some | |
 Amateur | Mostly | |
 Expert | Little |
TYPE OF AREA
| Area | Motorized Trails |
| Land | City Land |
GPS POINTS
KEY SERVICES
 Gasoline | 1-5 Miles (W) | Chevron (775) 689-1222 |
| Diesel | 1-5 Miles (W) | Chevron (775) 689-1222 |
 Water | 1-5 Miles (W) | Comstock Country RV Resort (800) 638-2321 |
 RV Hookup | 1-5 Miles (W) | Comstock Country RV Resort (800) 638-2321 |
 RV Disposal | 1-5 Miles (W) | Comstock Country RV Resort (800) 638-2321 |
| Campground | 5-20 Miles (N) | Washoe Lake State Park (775) 687-4319 |
 Conv Store | 1-5 Miles (W) | Chevron (775) 689-1222 |
FEES & PASSES
| Parking | (None) |
| Entry | (None) |
| Riding | (None) |
| Camping | (None) |
RATINGS
| Pros | cool rock formations, fun sand washes, good scenic views on top of hills |
| Cons | deep sand, some trails are whooped out, motorized use area is pretty small |
| Our Rating |  Good |
| Recommended Stay | Full Day Fall |
| Comments | (Scroll Down For Rider Reviews & Comments) |
DRIVING DIRECTIONS
| Nearest City | Carson City, NV | ||
| Address | Golden Eagle Lane, Carson City, NV 89701 | ||
| From: Carson City, NV
1) Take 395 S through downtown Carson City 2) Turn left (east) on Snyder Avenue, continue 2 miles 3) Turn right (south) at the T-intersection, continue .75 miles 4) Main entrance is on the left (north). |
OFFICIAL CONTACTS
| Contact Info | Ann Bollinger (Open Space Administrator) Carson City Parks And Open Space 3303 Butti Way, Bldg 9 Carson City, NV 89701 (775) 283-7337 www.carson.org |
Prison Hill Recreation Trail Photo
Prison Hill Recreation Trail Photo
Prison Hill Recreation Trail Photo
Prison Hill Recreation Trail Photo
Prison Hill Recreation Trail Photo
Some people park at the small turnaround at the bottom of this hill, but the proper staging area is to the south.
Prison Hill Recreation Trail Photo
You can't help but check out the views when you reach the tops of some of these hills.
Prison Hill Recreation Trail Photo
Prison Hill Recreation Trail Photo
Prison Hill Recreation Trail Photo
Prison Hill Recreation Trail Photo
Looking back at the main staging area.
Prison Hill Recreation Trail Photo
Prison Hill Recreation Trail Photo
Prison Hill Recreation Trail Photo
Main staging area.
Prison Hill Recreation Trail Photo
Prison Hill Recreation Trail Photo
One of the many rock formations to see.
Prison Hill Recreation Trail Photo
Trails extending north toward Carson City are closed to motorized use. Warning: this designation might not be posted.
Prison Hill Recreation Trail Photo
These rock formations mixed with firm sand are all over the place, surrounding the trail.
Prison Hill Recreation Trail Photo
The trail crosses some parts of the rock formations, which is lots of fun.
Prison Hill Recreation Trail Photo
The correctional center is easily visible from many points on the trail.
Prison Hill Recreation Trail Photo
Prison Hill Recreation Trail Photo
Prison Hill Recreation Trail Photo
Prison Hill Recreation Trail Photo
Prison Hill Recreation Trail Photo
Prison Hill Recreation Trail Photo
RIDER COMMENTS & REVIEWS