Prison Hill Recreation Area

A High Point for Carson City!

Visible throughout Carson City, the approximately 2,450 acre Prison Hill Recreation Area has been set aside and dedicated as open space for the community of Carson City. This popular open space is available for those who wish to hike, mountain bike, horseback ride, ride off- highway vehicles (south end only), experience great views of the Carson Range and Pine Nut Mountains, enjoy the quiet and take some great pictures. Prison Hill is located on the southeast side of town and has three main community parking areas.

The northern end, located off of Fairview Drive, East Fifth Street and Carson River Road, has short loop trails open to foot, bicycle and equestrian use and is closed to motorized vehicles. These trails were established cooperatively by the Bureau of Land Management, State of Nevada, and the Carson City School District to provide for cross country running trails.

The main community parking area and trailhead is located at the east end of Koontz Lane. Trails either connect to other access points or rise in elevation to a loop trail at the top of Prison Hill. This provides excellent views of the Sierra, Eagle Valley and the Carson River, the Pine Nut Range to the south, and an expansive overview of Carson City.

The southern end of Prison Hill provides trails for motorized use. A small OHV loop system is adjacent to the staging area, and travel routes are available on sandy trails and washes. Please check map for "Motorized Use" boundary.

Portions of the central part of Prison Hill have become popular for technical rock climbing.  Local enthusiasts know a number of technical routes up a variety of craigs and pitches.  A good description of the resource is found in pages 46-55 of the now out-of print 1991 Climbers Guide East Tahoe Region by Ron Anderson.

Treat our natural heritage with respect. Leave plants, rocks and historical artifacts as you find them. Deposit human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep at least 200 feet from trails. Cover and disguise hole. Pack everything that you bring in on your excursion--out! Stay on designated trails; do not shortcut switchbacks. Learn about the regulations and issues that apply to the area you're visiting.

* Pack out trash! As a regular visitor, consider picking up some litter as a community service!
* Please, no campfires.
* Stay on established trails. Creating new trails on steep hillsides results in erosion during rainstorms.
* Dogs love the open space, but must be kept under verbal control or on a leash by their owners.
* Shooting is prohibited in the Recreation Area.
* Report illegal activity to 775-883-5995 or 800-521-6501.
* Trail courtesy goes a long way.

PLAN AHEAD AND PREPARE - TRAVEL LIGHTLY - PACK IT IN PACK IT OUT - PROPERLY DlSPOSE OF WHAT YOU CAN'T PACK OUT - LEAVE WHAT YOU FIND.

Whatever means of travel you choose to explore Prison Hill, be aware of wildlife inhabiting the area. This includes coyotes, rabbits, hawks, ground squirrels, and deer. You may even see golden eagles around the rock outcrops in the upper elevations.

Vegetation throughout the area is representative of "Big Sage" zone plants. This consists of Big Sagebrush, Desert Peach, Bitter brush, Ephedra, Indian Ricegrass, and occasional Juniper and Pinyon trees. A wonderful aroma surrounds the hills during the spring when the brush is in bloom. Since vegetation is predominantly brush, the exposed slopes can endure hot summer temperatures. Always remember to bring water, hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen as you explore.

The geologic make-up of Prison Hill consists of two different rock types. Jurassic aged metamorphosed volcanic rock is exposed at the northern end, and a Cretaceous, medium-grained granitic rock exists at the southern end of the hill. In the northern end, as the larger rock mass disintegrates, pieces of broken outcrop appear that are dark-colored and consist of an andesite mud-flow breccia. Both rock types seem to be popular among local rock climbers and add interesting visual features to the hillsides.