Held annually the first weekend in April, the Nevada Derby is the Nevada All-State Trail Riders spring training ride, continuing our own tradition of the Derby Ditch and Square Nail rides for the past 52 years. Due to various limiting conditions, a few years ago the Nevada Derby Ride was relocated from Winnemucca Ranch to the Washoe Lake State Park and then to its current location at Scout Camp in Fort Churchill State Park.
The Nevada Derby is the first ride in the NASTR Challenge Series. Whether you are looking to get started by trying out our Intro Rides and the Did You Die? series, aiming for the limited distance Hat Trick series, completing all the 50s for the Trifecta, or taking on the challenge of the Triple Crown, we will see you there.
The trails will be laid out in a loop configuration with all vet checks back in camp. Riders will enjoy scenic canyon climbs, desert washes, natural springs, stock tanks, dry lake terrain over jeep roads, and winding single track trail along the Carson River under the mighty cottonwood trees. The majority of the footing is sandy however there are some areas of rock. The trail is mostly flat with several gradual climbs. Crews will have access to all away-vet checks. Hay and water will be provided by ride management at away-vet checks.
Base Camp is at the Scout Camp in the Carson River Ranch area of Fort Churchill State Historic Park, Silver Springs, NV. Camp is located approximately 11 miles south of Silver Springs (where you may find fuel, groceries, feed, and auto supplies) via US-95 ALT. Ride Camp is open from Friday thru Sunday.
Scout Camp is located adjacent to the Carson River. It is a large, dispersed camping area that includes picnic tables, fire rings with grill tops, two vault toilets, and multiple horse corrals. Scout Camp is a carry-in, carry-out trash area. Horse manure needs to be picked up and carried out or disposed of in the designated manure dump. Bring bug spray for you and your horse, as at certain times of the year, they can be abundant.
Follow US-95 ALT south from Silver Springs for 9.5 miles to Simpson Rd (Pony Express Route) (Just south of Buckland Station on the banks of the Carson River). Turn left (east) and follow the Pony Express Route a little over half a mile and turn left through the cattle guard into the Scout Camp.
The Carson River Ranches were acquired for public recreation 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 restored and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1997.
In 1998-1999, NASTR members provided volunteer trail building labor for the project at several work parties. The project included clearing and signage for seven trailheads, 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.
These are the historical results for the Nevada Derby, previously the Square Nail and Derby Ditch from 1971 – 2026.
