Home › Nevada › Carson City › Spooner Lake Trailhead
Spooner Lake Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 73 Google reviews · Running trail in Carson City, Nevada · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- 2 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Spooner Lake Trailhead'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.
Kid-friendly hiking area with picnic tables and a public restroom.
What runners say about Spooner Lake Trailhead
“"This is an excellent starting point for a bike trail, with a spacious parking lot and clean restrooms.”
“Easy, mellow, no obstacles, and beautiful mirror lake reflections.”
“There were a couple of muddy spots but easy to navigate and did not stop us from finishing the trail.”
“While the lake views are modest compared to the breathtaking scenery at nearby Lake Tahoe, it's a lovely spot for those seeking a quiet and peaceful hiking or biking experience.”
“This is a great, easy hike - perfect for the whole family!”
Nice easy 3 mile trail around the lake, and there were a LOT of wildflowers. So many native peonies! And lots of other things blooming. Large variety, although just a few species in abundance. Lots of belly flowers (ones you have to get down on your belly to see). Not very busy on a weekday.
Spooner Lake is open for winter hikes. The main bathrooms are open and heated. This is a great, easy hike - perfect for the whole family!
Nice and easy 2.5mile hike around the lake. The trail is shaded and breezy. Parking is about $10 resident, $15 non resident.
Nice hike and great view of the lake. An educational tour. You can break off to 2 different, longer hikes.
Trail conditions & character
“While the lake views are modest compared to the breathtaking scenery at nearby Lake Tahoe, it's a lovely spot for those seeking a quiet and peaceful hiking or biking experience.”
“While the lake views are modest compared to the breathtaking scenery at nearby Lake Tahoe, it's a lovely spot for those seeking a quiet and peaceful hiking or biking experience.”
“"This is an excellent starting point for a bike trail, with a spacious parking lot and clean restrooms.”
“"This is an excellent starting point for a bike trail, with a spacious parking lot and clean restrooms.”
“The loop around the lake features meadow and forest.”
“Wonderful bathrooms (flush toilet, not pit) and a water bottle filling station.”
Plan your run at Spooner Lake Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- Loop distance2 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Carson City
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Clear Creek Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 109 reviews
Mountain biking, hiking, and horseback riding are available at this scenic area.
Kings Canyon Waterfalls
4.8 ★★★★★ 806 reviews
Park featuring a 0.6-mi. hiking trail with a waterfall and canopy of trees.
Sierra Canyon Trailhead
4.6 ★★★★★ 39 reviews
Hiking and mountain biking trails are available at this scenic area.
Ash Canyon Creek Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 48 reviews
Hiking area with kid-friendly trails, plus some trees and scenic views.
Long Ranch Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 72 reviews
Well-tended park, featuring a playground, trails and a stream, where dogs are welcome.