Six Mile Beach Trail

Trail Overview

This route takes you from the trailhead located off Hwy 50, East of Silver Springs, Nevada to Six Mile Beach and loops back to the bridge over the Carson River below the Lahontan Reservoir Dam. Six Mile Beach is located on the east shore of Lahontan. The trail begins on a very wide, graded dirt road. As you ascend, the road narrows to a double-track trail. The surface varies with smooth compacted dirt, mud and sand. The trail is generally level with gradual changes in grade. Stock 4WD SUVs will work during dry weather and drivers should be careful of the deep arroyo sand. Caution should be used during wet weather as the trail winds down to the lake via sandy arroyos prone to flash flooding. When wet, portions of the trail are almost impassible with deep clay/silt mud pockets in low-lying areas. Cattle roam this area and use the trail as well. This trail loops back along the Lahontan Dam Road (gravel) and back to the bridge at the Carson River. Gas and food are available in the town of Silver Springs, Nevada located about ten miles west of the trailhead on HWY 50. Open all year. Only licensed vehicles and operators may drive in the park. No ATVs or other unlicensed vehicles are allowed. Motorcyclists must wear helmets. The entrance fee to Six Mile Beach and the state recreation area begins at $5.00, bring the correct amount of money. Dogs on leashes are allowed.

Photos of Six Mile Beach Trail

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Difficulty

The trail is easy when dry.

History

Lahontan Reservoir was named after an ancient lake. It was originally built as part of an irrigation project to water nearby farmlands. With 69 miles of willows and cottonwoods scattered along its shoreline, the park is one of the most popular places in Nevada to the boat, fish, water-ski, horseback ride, camp and enjoy the outdoors year round. Canoeing from Fort Churchill to the lake makes for a great day trip when conditions allow. Wild horses, bobcats, foxes and deer share the park with a variety of birds, including migratory waterfowl, pelicans, herons, egrets and hawks. Lahontan is also a nesting site for bald eagles.

Technical Rating