West Summit Loop

Trail Overview

"West Summit Loop" starts off heading southeast from the main staging area. The trail takes you past "Headlight" and up to the "Cable Road," where it overlaps to the South for a bit, then turns up the hill. The trail traverses back and forth, getting steeper as you approach Golden Eagle Rock, a great spot to check out. From there, the trail continues up to Prison Hill Summit, where you can stop and enjoy the view before linking into "East Summit Loop" that will take you back down to the staging area. 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 West Summit Loop

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Difficulty

The trail gets steeper and looser as you get closer to Golden Eagle Rock. A few small step-ups and you're past the obstacle.

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

West Summit Loop can be accessed by the following ride types:

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