Bently Heritage Trail

Lush wetlands, panoramic views, and miles of crowdless trails await at the Bently Heritage Trail in the heart of Carson Valley. Made possible by a partnership between the Nature Conservancy and the Carson Valley Trails Association, this five-mile stretch of trail uniquely merges habitat, cattle ranching, and public access along lush wetlands adjacent to the banks of the Carson River for visitors and locals alike. Brimming with lush wetlands that originally persuaded early pioneers to settle in Carson Valley all those years ago, the section of land Bently Heritage Trail is located on was donated by the Bently ranching empire—who’ve ran large-scale cattle ranching operations in Carson Valley for decades—offering a conservancy that benefits both nature and people. 

Hiking the Bently Trail promises access to pristine wetlands that attract mule deer, a variety of resident and migratory birds, and many other types of wildlife, along with a glimpse of some of the valley’s oldest industries: cattle ranching. The trail length is approximately 4.8 miles long, with less than a 1% elevation gain along a well-maintained soil surface. Access the trail along the North Loop, Middle Loop, or South Loop, or hike the entirety of the trail—no matter which section you end up on, you’re sure to be rewarded with crowdless hiking conditions, pristine nature conditions, and panoramic views the Carson Valley is known for. To get your hands on a map detailed map, click here. 

Know Before You Go

While many other trail systems in Carson Valley are multi-use, the Bently Heritage Trail lies within a natural area and a working cattle ranch, and is open to hikers only. No horses, bikes, or dogs are allowed.