History:
The Carson River Ranches were acquired for public recreation through the Parks and Wildlife Bond Issue approved by voters in 1990, providing the first-ever opportunity to connect state park units. In 1994, the State of Nevada purchased the 3,229 acres of ranch land along the Carson River corridor between the Fort Churchill State Historic Park and the Lahontan State Recreational Area. Included in that purchase was the Bucklands Pony Express Station, which was recently restored and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1997.

Trails Project:
NASTR participated in the Carson River Ranches Master Plan/Feasibility Study in 1995 at two workshops held in Silver Springs. In 1997, the Nevada State Parks was awarded a trails grant through the Symm’s National Recreation Trails Act under ISTEA (Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act) for the Carson River Ranches Trail System.

In 1998, NASTR members provided volunteer trail building labor for the project at several work parties. Another trails grant was awarded in 1999 through the National Recreational Trails Program TEA-21 (Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century). NASTR continues to provide trail labor to further assist in providing the matching share for these grant funds.

The trails project included clearing and signage for seven trail heads, a rest room and horse corrals, camp areas and approximately 30 miles of trail connecting the two State Park units, as well as BLM lands. The trails accommodate non-motorized users, equestrians, hikers, 4-h campers, hunters, mountain bikers and educational activities and canoeing on the Carson River.

Past and present AERC endurance rides held on these trails include:

• Adrian Valley
• Buckland Station XP
• Fort Churchill
• High Desert Rides
• Hooten Wells
• Lahontan Valley
• Silver Springs
• Pony Express 2001
• X-Roads