Toad Rock Loop
Total Miles
3.5
Technical Rating
Best Time
Spring, Fall, Winter
Trail Type
Full-Width Road
Accessible By
Trail Overview
"Toad Rock Loop" is one of the most common trails to do when visiting Prison Hill. It starts by going north out of the staging area and cuts through "Off The Trailer." The trail had lots of markings, but it is hard to follow without using your GPS, since it travels back and forth close to itself, which makes it easy to skip one part and end up on another. The beginning of the trail starts off with some super fun, easy off-camber obstacles. The trail then heads up the hill towards Toad Rock. Toad Rock is an outcropping of rocks that looks like a toad, hence its name. The trail passes just past the base of Toad Rock before traversing across and up to the top of "Easy Rider." The trail goes up and down and back and forth across the hill, giving you a great adventure with some medium obstacles. Eventually, the trail takes you back to the main staging area. The springtime is a great time to run this trail when some of the desert flowers are in bloom and before it gets too hot and red flag warnings start shutting it down. 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.
Photos of Toad Rock Loop
Difficulty
There are a couple of short, steep sections and some interesting features in the "Off the Trailer" section that you can't bypass.
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.
Status Reports
Toad Rock Loop can be accessed by the following ride types:
- High-Clearance 4x4
- SUV
- SxS (60")
- ATV (50")
- Dirt Bike
Toad Rock Loop Map
Popular Trails
Scanlon Ferry Road
Coal Springs Loop
Wheeler Pass
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