Death Walls

Trail Overview

Death Walls is a jaw-dropping canyon trail that's a must-see for any off-road enthusiast, even if your rig isn't up to the challenge of running it. If you can't drive it, it's still worth the hike to witness the incredible rock features that make this trail a standout. Known for offering some of the best V-cracks in the Prison Hill OHV Area, Death Walls delivers a serious test for your rig and your skills. Right from the start, you'll encounter a man-made gatekeeper--a gauntlet of rocks designed to filter out underprepared vehicles and let you know if you've got the clearance and capability to tackle this beast. Please avoid the temptation of driving around the first obstacle, as they only get harder, and saving the vegetation is a priority. The lower half of the trail features a sandy base, while the upper half transitions to solid rock with exceptional traction, making it easy to pull a tire in the off-camber, flex-heavy sections. Don't miss the chance to stop and snap a photo of your rig perched on a V-crack or fully flexed out--these are the moments off-roaders live for. Also in the area, there are a few Open riding areas where you can leave the trail and work on your skills. These areas are well marked, and so are the boundaries. Off The Trailer, Ghosts, and Headlight mark the boundaries of open riding areas. Look at the main map by the bathrooms to see where these trails are. Cell coverage is reliable in this area, ensuring you can navigate, communicate, or share your epic photos with ease. Hours and Access: The Prison Hill OHV Area is open daily from dawn to dusk, year-round, and is free to the public. A well-equipped staging area at the south end of the OHV area provides a convenient spot for loading and unloading, complete with a restroom for visitor use. Restrictions: Camping and fires are prohibited within the recreation boundaries. During the summer months, the area may close during Red Flag Warnings issued by the National Weather Service due to extreme fire danger. Always check conditions before heading out to confirm the area is open.

Photos of Death Walls

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Difficulty

The gatekeeper should let you know, but even if you make it past that, there are plenty of steep climbs and flexy areas.

History

Located in Carson City, Prison Hill is a beloved mixed-use recreation area catering to a variety of outdoor enthusiasts. The northern section is reserved for non-motorized activities like hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian use, while the southern portion is dedicated to off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreation. The motorized area has been recently enhanced through a collaborative effort by the Open Space Division of Carson City Parks, Recreation & Open Space Department, the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council (NOHVCC), and funding partners, including the Recreational Trails Program (Nevada State Parks), the Off-Highway Vehicle Program, and numerous volunteers.

Technical Rating

Death Walls can be accessed by the following ride types:

• High-Clearance 4x4
• SUV
• SxS (60")
• ATV (50")
• Dirt Bike