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McCarran Ranch Preserve
4.2 ★★★★☆ 25 Google reviews · Running trail in Sparks, Nevada · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from McCarran Ranch Preserve's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
What runners say about McCarran Ranch Preserve
“Beautiful views, but could be so much nicer without the noise and construction happening next door.”
Saw a couple wildlife during the hike pretty awesome. Take plenty of water for this moderate hike.
Fairly natural trail. There isn't much room to pass other people on the trail in some places so if you bring a dog make sure it is well behaved. Great place for a walk if you want to get away from things.
Lots of construction currently happening right next to the trail. Beautiful views, but could be so much nicer without the noise and construction happening next door.
Dog friendly trail I would recommend visiting this trail when it is cooler outside since there is not a lot of shade, but the river is right there, and it is nice to let the pups swim. Keep an eye for the fencing among the trees, which is hard to see, and your furry friend might get hurt trying to chase some squirrels.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful views, but could be so much nicer without the noise and construction happening next door.”
“There isn't much room to pass other people on the trail in some places so if you bring a dog make sure it is well behaved.”
Plan your run at McCarran Ranch Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- At the trailheadparking, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitenature.org
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6:30 am–7:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 6:30 am–7:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 6:30 am–7:30 pm |
| Thursday | 6:30 am–7:30 pm |
| Friday | 6:30 am–7:30 pm |
| Saturday | 6:30 am–7:30 pm |
| Sunday | 6:30 am–7:30 pm |
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