Trail Overview
"Easy Rider Trail" starts off heading up from "Cable Road" onto a sandy trail. This is a great access point to watch the action on the harder trails. "Double Waterfall" ends in "Easy Rider Trail" and if someone is struggling with the waterfall at the top of "Double Waterfall" this is a great way to head up quickly and give them an anchor point. You will also pass by part of "Headlight" and "Ghosts", two open riding zones that have some intense buggy lines within them. "Easy Rider Trail" is not that difficult and has some great views of the valley and of more action-packed trails.
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 a loop around 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.
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.