Reno to Rim Trail Update - Flagging and GPS Work Completed!

Efforts to build the Reno to Rim Trail, which will traverse roughly 16 miles of Humboldt-Toiyabe land within the Carson Ranger District and eventually connect northwest Reno to the world famous Tahoe Rim Trail near Mt. Rose, moved ahead this summer. Flagging and GPS work for the entire route was completed with trail layout being done by Bob Anderson and Mike Stone with help from Bill Hager. The TRTA has been working very closely with Steve Hale from the Carson Ranger District on the project as well. TRTA recently contracted with ESA from Sacramento to complete the Environmental Assessment (EA) and work is already underway. With many unknowns still ahead in the EA process, a time frame for completion is hard to predict. Depending on what archeologists, botanists and biologists find, it's possible work could be completed by September 2008. Stay tuned for updates as they become available right here on Sierrafront.org under Current Projects!

This initiative is part of the Sierra Front Recreation Coalition’s strategic vision for an area-wide network of trail and outdoor recreation opportunities that link the public lands to our communities.

Outdoor visitation has more than doubled in less than 10 years in the Sierra Front. Demand for public access to the 53,000 acre Martis Assessment Area will only increase with the current developments in Boomtown, Verdi, and NW Reno. The area currently has no developed recreation amenities, albeit the public uses an existing network of unpaved roads and trails for bicycle, off-highway vehicles, hiking, equestrian, fishing and hunting activities. The Forest Service has recently made public the Martis/Interstate 80 Corridor Landscape Assessment and Strategy. This study provides maps and strategies that will increase the number of trailheads into this area and provide new options for a diverse array of recreationists including mountain bikers, off-road vehicles, hikers, and equestrians. The emphasis on integrating trails allows for a ‘Reno to Tahoe Rim Trail’ connecting Relay Peak to trailheads such as the Hunter, Thomas, and Galena Creek areas as well as potential future trailheads in Verdi, Hirschdale, and additional spurs.

While this new trail system would provide access to accommodate the increased demand as many more people move to and visit this area, one thing is clear – without private support for the ‘Reno to Rim’, it won’t be built anytime soon. The Forest Service has a severe maintenance backlog with no new facilities budgeted. The actual costs of this ‘Reno to Rim’ effort will be close to $1,000,000, including restrooms, trailheads, trail construction and needed environmental reports. Thanks to the volunteer engagement of the Tahoe Rim Trail Association, qualified trail builders have already volunteered $100,000 in services to undertake much of the trail placement, layout, and construction. Mt Rose - Ski Tahoe is also helping with a fundraiser on the 2007-2008 Season Value Pass.

The Sierra Front Recreation Coalition is raising the funds needed to make this flagship trail part of our wider recreational assets. Funding will then be distributed to the implementing bodies including the Forest Service, Washoe County Parks and Recreation, and the Tahoe Rim Trail Association for the environmental assessments needed, trailhead planning, and actual construction. All of these organizations are members of the Sierra Front Recreation Coalition and committed to partnering and sharing resources to advance this project.

This extensive trail will be a worthy addition to our region’s world-class outdoor recreational resources, while responding to our booming population’s demand for more access to the Sierra Front.