V & T Trail

V & T Trail south of its junction with the Foothill Trail

The V & T trail follows the historic Virginia and Truckee Railroad track between Lakeview and Combs Canyon Road in Carson City, Nevada. Along the trail, you will find four historical markers—interpretive signs placed in loving memory of Dr. Mary Ansari, a historian, author, philanthropist, and walks-far woman. The signs refresh our memory of the Comstock time: reminding us of the complex infrastructure needed in support of successful mining operations and how life in the Reno-Tahoe area was during the days of Western pioneers. Traveling south from Lakeview to Combs Canyon Rd, you will find signs with the following headlines:

• Lakeview
• Lakeview Tunnel
• Moving Through Time
• Historic Virginia and Truckee Trail

The V & T Trail is open year-round for hiking, running, mountain biking and horseback riding. Dogs are welcome. It's a popular trail. If you go at the right time, you can still enjoy enjoy solitude and also amazing views of the Carson City area and the Pine Nut Mountain Range. 

A split rock next to the V & T Trail

The V & T Railroad had six tunnels when it was fully completed. The distance from the trailhead to the former site of the Lakeview Tunnel is about 2000 ft. Nearby is the Foothill Trail junction, connecting the V & T Trail with the Foothill Garden & Pollinator Kiosk and the Medical Parkway.

Continuing south, you will pass the split rock site and a few trail sections with fallen rocks. There is no need to travel through those narrow canyons, as they are flanked by side-paths.

Looking below and eastward, you now sea a golf course and Carson City neighborhoods. Once, a large village of the Washoe People was located there.

Fallen rocks next to and on the V & T Trail 

Getting to the Lakeview V & T trailhead

Lakeview V & T trailhead

Driving south on Fwy-395 from Reno toward Carson City, leave the freeway at the East Lake Blvd exit and continue south for half a mile on Route 428 (Bowers Mansion Rd)—running parallel to the freeway and leading up the Lakeview Summit. Turn right onto Hobart Road. Find the trailhead on your left. 

The historic marker at the trailhead introduces you to the Comstock story of railroads, mills, mining, water—as well as the hunt for and disappearance of timber.

Map of the V & T Trail

The two-mile long V & T Trail between Lakeview and Combs Canyon Rd.

References and further reading

V & T Trail: https://www.carson.org/government/departments-g-z/parks-recreation-open-space/parks-and-places/trails/capital-corridor-area.

Tunnel #2: https://aroundcarson.com/2005/10/09/tunnel_2/.