Hiking
The Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest offers over 2,000 miles of non-motorized trails to be enjoyed by hikers and equestrians. This includes four National Recreation Trails (Mt. Charleston, Toiyabe Crest, Tahoe Rim, and Ruby Crest), three National Historic Trails (California, Pony Express, and Old Spanish) and the Pacific Crest Trail, a National Scenic Trail. Whether you're roughing it in a tent or planning a family picnic, there Forest’s trails offer ample choices for all, from beginners to experienced outdoor enthusiasts.
Backpacking
Be prepared
- Pack a first aid kit. Your kit can prove invaluable if you or a member of your group suffers a cut, bee sting or allergic reaction. Pack antiseptics for cuts and scrapes, tweezers, insect repellent, a snake bite kit, pain relievers, and sunscreen. Tailor your kit to your family's special needs.
- Learn ABC - Airway, Breathing, & Circulation. Know how to perform CPR and basic first aid. Recognizing serious injuries will enable you to attend to a victim until medical help arrives.
- Bring emergency supplies. In addition to a first aid kit, you should also have a map of the area, compass, flashlight, knife, waterproof fire starter, personal shelter, whistle, warm clothing, high energy food, water, water-purifying tablets, and insect repellant.
Check the elements
- Check the weather report before you leave home. When you arrive at the site, keep on eye on the skies for changes and, if possible, carry a compact weather radio. In inclement weather, take shelter until the bad weather passes. Stay dry - wet clothes contribute to heat loss.
- Forest and grassland home pages post alerts you should know before you go. Many of our forests and grasslands also post alerts on social media.
General Hiking
Hiking is a wonderful way to see and experience the many wonders of our nation’s forests. Visit your forest’s ranger district office, our All Maps page, or National Forest Store to obtain a trail map to help you plan your route based on your ability, available time and interest. Please follow these safety tips to ensure a safe journey:
- Being prepared includes knowing how to be a responsible hiker. Learn more on our Responsible Recreation page.
- Stay on marked trails.
- Don’t hike alone. Let the slowest person in your party set the pace. This is especially important when children are a part of your group.
- Leave your itinerary with a friend or family member and check in with them upon your return.
- Develop an emergency plan before you start your trip. Make sure everyone knows what to do if they become lost or a medical emergency arises. Give children whistles with the instructions to "stop and blow" if they become lost.
- Take frequent rests or vary your pace to maintain your energy level.
- Drink plenty of water, even on cool, wet days. Never drink your entire supply between refills.
- Wear appropriate clothing, including sturdy boots that are broken in and are comfortable.
- Consider using a hiking pole or walking stick to help maintain your balance in unlevel or hazardous areas.
- Be aware of your surroundings, and pre-plan your approach before hiking through more hazardous areas. Wet surfaces can be a hazard and even more so if it's on a slope.
- Consider what you'll do if you start to slide or fall so that you are prepared.
- If falling, do not try to catch yourself; try to avoid landing on your hands, elbows or knees. Landing on the side of your body is much safer.
- If the slope is such where you know you are going to slide, lowering your center of gravity, by sitting down and sliding on your feet or bottom, is safer.
- If sliding while standing up, keep your weight over your feet and bend your knees—do not lean back or forward while sliding.
Day Hikes
On a day hike, extra weight wears you down and reduces your agility over uneven terrain. Pack as light as possible. Leave the extras behind, but consider bringing these essentials:
- Map
- Sunglasses and a hat
- Sunscreen
- Flashlight
- Waterproof matches
- First aid kit
- Water and water-purifying tablets
- High-energy bars, granola, candy, or fruit
- Extra clothing. Temperatures can change dramatically, particularly if there is an elevation change. For every 1,000 feet of elevation gain, the temperature often drops three to five degrees.
Search for Hiking Opportunities
Arc Dome Summit Trail
The Arc Dome Summit Trail is 1.0 mile long non-motorized trail accessing Arc Dome Summit (11,778 feet) within the Arc Dome Wilderness near Tonopah, Nevada. This trail starts at its junction with the…
Arc Dome Trail
The Arc Dome Trail is a 4.8 mile long non-motorized trail located within the Arc Dome Wilderness near Tonopah, Nevada. The north and south ends of this trail connect to the Toiyabe Crest National…
Armstrong Pass Trailhead
The Armstrong Pass Trailhead is located off CA-89 on Forest Road 31051 (Horse Meadows Rd.), near South Lake Tahoe, California. The Tahoe Rim Trail can be accessed via the Horse Meadows Trail in this…
Arrowleaf Trail
The Arrowleaf Trail is a 1.3 mile long motorized out and back trail located in the Cold Creek area of the Spring Mountains NRA near Indian Springs, Nevada. The north end of the trail starts at its…
Asa Lake Trail
The Asa Lake Trail is a 2.4 mile long out and back trail located within the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness near Coleville, California. This trail connects the Wolf Creek Trail (21010) on the east to the…
Ash to Kings Trail
The Ash to Kings Trail is a 7.1 mile long trail located above the west side of Carson City, Nevada. This popular and heavily trafficked trail connects Ash Canyon Road and Kings Canyon Road and is…
Atomic Duck Trail
The Atomic Duck Trail is a 0.75 mile long multi-use, non-motorized trail that is part of the Telephone Canyon trails system located on the Spring Mountains NRA near Las Vegas, Nevada. The trail…
B-Lite Trail
The B-Lite Trail is a 1.23 mile long non-motorized trail primarily used by mountain bikers in the Peavine Mountain area of Reno, Nevada. This trail connects with the Las Brisas Trail on the west and…
Bacon Strip Trail
The Bacon Strip Trail is a 2.1 mile long non-motorized trail primarily used by mountain bikers in the Peavine Mountain area of Reno, Nevada. This trail connects with the Mahogany Forest and Scrub…
Barley Creek Trail
The Barley Creek trail is a 7.6 mile long non-motorized trail located within the Table Mountain Wilderness near Tonopah, Nevada. The trail starts from the Barely Creek Trailhead/Campground and…