Trail Overview
Stokes Castle is perhaps the most famous landmark in central Nevada, standing as a silent, stone sentinel overlooking the Reese River Valley. This trail offers an incredibly accessible way to experience Nevada’s "Gilded Age" history. Starting right from the local gas station—where you can easily restock on fuel, propane, and snacks—the well-graded road leads you up the ridge to the castle. Once at the site, you'll find Nevada Historical Marker #59, which details the fascinating origins of this three-story tower. The location features a picnic table and a fire pit with a grill top, making it a very scenic lunch spot. From this vantage point, it is abundantly clear why this location was chosen; the panoramic views of the valley below are unparalleled. After exploring around the castle, the trail continues into the rolling hills behind Austin. This is one of the most popular mountain biking areas in the region, so the road remains well-maintained, though it does narrow to a single lane as you move further back into the hills. This is a high-traffic area for mountain bikers and hikers; stay alert for other users. The trail passes several active private mining operations. Please respect all "No Trespassing" signs and equipment. You will have service at the castle itself due to its proximity to town, but coverage drops completely once you move into the hills on the "backside" of the ridge. Download offline maps before leaving the gas station.
History
Stokes Castle was built in 1897 by Anson Phelps Stokes, a wealthy mining magnate and railroad tycoon. Modeled after a family villa in Rome, the "castle" was constructed using enormous granite blocks and served as a summer home for a brief period. It featured modern luxuries of the time, including plumbing and a balcony on each floor. Though the family only occupied it for one summer, the structure remains a testament to the immense wealth extracted during the Reese River silver boom. It stands today as a stark reminder of the social divide between the "Silver Kings" and the hard-working miners who lived in the canyons below.
