Fay-Luther Trail System

See what the eastern Sierra Nevada is all about, one mile at a time, along the Fay-Luther Trail System in beautiful Gardnerville, NV. Nested at the base of Freel Peak, Jobs Sister, & Jobs Peak—some of the tallest peaks in the entire Lake Tahoe Basin, and definitely the most beautiful—the Fay-Luther Trail system offers 9 miles of trails open to day hikers, mountain bikers, and in some sections, equestrian riders, with interpretive signage offering insights about Carson Valley’s vast human histories, information about area plants and animals, and more.

Offering well-marked trails with multiple, mostly flat loops, the Fay-Luther Trail is one of Carson Valley’s most popular trails. With a slow meandering trail skirting the foothills of Jobs Peak, discover a world of high desert terrain, with a mix of sagebrush and rabbitbrush, singleleaf pinyon, black cottonwoods, and million-dollar views of Carson Valley with the Pine Nut Range in the distance. From the Fay-Luther Trailhead, take the Sandy Trail, or Lonesome Trail. Up for a longer excursion? From Sandy Trail, connect up with the Interpretive Loop, Jeffrey Pine Trail, or up to higher elevations along the Grand View Loop.  Take advantage of horse trailer parking at the Fay-Luther Trailhead off Foothill Road, along with plenty of other free parking for hikers and cyclists. To see a map of the entire trail system, click here.

Know Before You Go

All trails in the Fay-Luther system are open to mountain bikes and equestrian riders, with the exception of the stretch between Jobs Peak Ranch Trailhead and the Valley View Loop. With most of this stretch lying squarely on private property, this small section of trail is open to hikers only and for the better, with loose soil, foot bridges, and other terrain challenges not suitable for equestrian use. 

Beyond that stretch, please remember this is a multi-use trail network, open to hikers, cyclists, and equestrian riders. For your own personal safety and the safety of others, please remember to practice responsible trail etiquette when approaching equestrians by stopping and speaking to the rider. Cyclists should watch their speed, particularly around blind corners, and dog owners must keep pets leashed and under control at all times. Remember, horseback riders always have the right of way, and bikes yield to hikers. Dogs are welcome, but must be leashed October 15 through March 30 to protect area wildlife. Please remember to pick up after your dog with your own waste bags, or those provided for you along the trailheads.