Genoa Loop

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Unknown

A fun but challenging route up and down canyons and across the eastern face of the mountains directly above the oldest community in the state of Nevada. Offering shaded riding through the forest, a few creek crossings, and spectacular views all across the Minden Valley.

The southern leg of this route utilizes the Lower Genoa Canyon Trail and should be the main consideration when deciding which direction to ride this loop. This mile and a half of trail is narrow, has numerous tight switchbacks with a lot of exposure to falling. It’s not that the grade of the trail is overly steep but the terrain it is built upon is. Riders own skill level should be taken into consideration when deciding whether to climb or descend this section of trail.

A little over a mile of this loop is on the main road through the small town of Genoa. Public parking is available at several locations in town including the Mormon Station State Historic Park, or a few designated spots near the Sierra Canyon trailhead.

Riding the loop counter-clockwise, the singletrack starts at the Sierra Canyon trailhead and immediately starts climbing up the canyon through the forest. The first section is steep with many switchbacks but completely ride-able, and mellows out a little after the first mile.

Just after the intersection with the Sierra Canyon Trail and a second creek crossing, the route takes off across the face of some of the mountains still climbing but also offering great views of the Minden Valley below. Eventually, riders will come to a sign warning of the technical trail conditions ahead, please heed these warnings until familiar with the characteristics of this section. From here, it is all steep downhill right back to the pavement on the south end of town.

The intersection with the Sierra Canyon Trail is the only other trail crossed and is signed well. However, there are a couple places this trail forks with no signs that can cause confusion. These are simply forks in the trail around difficult build spots, the trails come back together a short distance later, choosing the fork with the most obvious traffic wear is advised.