Out of the canyon: Upper Evans Trail

Upper Evans Trail with views of Evans Canyon and the snow-covered Carson Range in the background

At the lower Upper Evans Trailhead

Upper Evans Trail is your way out of Evans Canyon north of Reno, where Evans Canyon Trail and Miners Trail close the canyon trail loop—at Trail Marker 6. This junction is located about one mile north of the Basque Sheepherder Monument. The lower Upper Evans Trailhead can also be accessed from the Vista Rafael Parkway.

A couple of switchbacks lead uphill between pine trees toward a hilltop of altered volcanic rock. Enjoy views of Evans Canyon, the Red Hills and the north end of the Carson Range. Alongside the brown-red outcrops, the single-track trail eventually broadens and continues in southwest direction.

Altered volcanic rock next to Upper Evans Trail

Soon, you will arrive at Trail Marker 17, a Y-junction with an option to take Reno Vista Trail and then “N” Trail to descend back into Evans Canyon. Otherwise, continue on Upper Evans Trail by taking the right fork. This single-track trail leads to UNR DH Trail, Keystone Canyon Trail and to the Hoge Road Trailhead.

I am not sure if there is a designated upper Upper Evans Trailhead. Each non-loop trail should have a second trailhead (or trail-end). But Upper Evans Trail loses itself by intersecting and merging with various other trails and dirt roads. Consider Upper Evans Trail as a warm-up trail, if your plan is to manage further distances and longer loops within the network of  Peavine Trails—the growing trail network west of Keystone Canyon.

With regard to mountain biking, Trailfork characterizes Upper Evans Trail as “fun semi-technical singletrack.” Its difficulty rating is “Blue” with a “Black Diamond” climb difficulty. The January and February 2017 snow and rain storms added some extra challenges such as trail cracking caused by runoff water.