This fun winding trail has a mix of Class II and Class III rapids with some diversion damns throughout. All of the dams should be passable when the water levels are high but it is advised to scout them beforehand. The water flows North from Carson City and North East to Dayton where it eventually feeds into the Lahontan Resevouir in Silver Springs NV. It is not possible to navigate the entire Carson River by water so Carson City designed the The Carson City Aquatic trail to give recreationalists and idea of what traversing the Carson River is like.
From portage at the Carson River Park to the Morgan Mill Road River access area is considered a Class I/II float for approximately 3.3 miles. Canoes, Kayaks and even small floats and rafts are able to traverse this when the water conditions are right. Idea flow level for this are is 400 cfs.
From the Morgan Mill Road River access to the Santa Maria Ranch there is one dam hazard and several rapid class changes from Class II to Class III. This segment is more appropriate for intermediate paddlers in kayaks or rafts. The minimum flow needed to travel this section is 1000 cfs.
The north section of this trail near Dayton is private land. Please be respectful and only portage on public use property.
Higher water levels (+1,500 cfs) on the Carson River make the rapids more difficult. Check the USGS flow reports and always scout the trail for hazards before portage.
USGS Flow Report by section:
River Classifications:
For more information visit the Carson City Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces website or contact:
Download map files for your own use.
River access is available from several parks along the Carson River including, East Silver Saddle Ranch, Carson River Park, Riverview Park and Morgan Mills Preserve.
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