5 Reasons To Make the Carson Valley a Summer Destination in 2019
Are you still dialing in your summer plans? Are you looking to add adventure, entertainment, maybe a little history to your summer vacation? Then check out what’s on tap in the Carson Valley this summer. Not just a base camp to Tahoe adventures, but a lively Northern Nevada community with a little bit something for every visitor.
Like much of the region around Lake Tahoe, the Carson Valley is typically a more lively destination during the summer season, but as we enter into the 2019 season, the Carson Valley may just be the premier destination for travelers this summer.
Your Summer Travel Checklist for the Carson Valley
1. Grab your golf clubs
Did you know that the Carson Valley has four award winning 18 hole courses and is part of the Divine Nine Golf Course Challenge in Northern Nevada. So whether you bring the RV or are just cruising along in the car, make room for the clubs because golfing at the foot of the Sierra is a can’t miss this summer.
Carson Valley Golf Course — Golf in the shade of the giant cottonwoods.
Genoa Lakes Golf Club – Lakes Course – This luxury course will leave great memories and the views are incredible.
Genoa Lakes Golf Club – Ranch Course – Want to play the power golf game? Try your game at this Johnny Miller inspired course.
Sunridge Golf and Recreations — Come test your precision from one of the elevated tee boxes, and meander around several lakes.
2. Bring the Mountain Bike or Hiking Boots
54 Miles of groomed trails in the Carson Valley will take you from the valley floor to the top of Spooner Summit into Lake Tahoe and the Tahoe Rim Trail. Trails for all levels of riders and hikers can cruise along several scenic loops designed to highlight the local lifestyle and picturesque Sierra Mountain range. Check these trails out for riding or hiking:
Genoa Trail System — over 28 miles of scenic trail.
Fay Luther Trail System — 9.2 miles of loops and trails at the base of Jobs peak.
Clear Creek Trail — with its newest addition adding another 10 miles upto Spooner Summit. This popular mountain bike trail gives you 17 miles of world class mountain bike terrain.
Pinyon trail — This 5.2 mile loop trail on the Eastern Edge f the valley provides some of the most picturesque views of the snow capped Sierra
The Bently trail — Hike a Nature Conservancy area next to the Carson river in the North side of the valley. 4.3 mile loop takes you along the river with plenty of wildlife typically around. (No Dogs, Bikes or Horses allowed on this trail.
For more information and trail maps, visit the Carson Valley Trails Association’s website.
3. Don’t forget the fishing poles
Fish from the shores at Topaz Lake south of Gardnerville or cast a fly in the Carson River, the fishing holes are plentiful. Or just use the Carson Valley as base camp and head into Lake Tahoe for a chartered fishing trip out of Sand Harbor or into Alpine County for more river access. While in town, talk with local fishing experts at Anglers Edge Fly shop for tips and lessons for fishing the Eastern Sierra.
4. Chill out with friends and family at weekly Outdoor Concerts or family Music events in Carson Valley
Choose from Free Concerts in the Park of Friday nights at Minden Park and signature groups that are scheduled for TJ Corals concert venue at the Carson Valley Inn. Enjoy an evening at the historic Dangberg Ranch for great community concerts all summer long or come take part in the first annual Country Music Festival coming to the Carson Valley this June 21-22. Check out this list of entertainers in June: Kenny G at TJ’s Corral on June 8; The Beatles Flashback Cover band at Minden Park June 21; Lacy J Dalton at Dangberg Ranch June 6; Uncle Kracker at TJ’s Corral June 29.
5. Book your space now for Festivals and Events
Take your pick with community festivals and events. The 109th Carson Valley Days is always a locals favorite with Parades, competitions, the annual carnival, and more. June 6-9th. Classic cars shows run throughout the summer in the Carson Valley, and of course the June 23rd Date will be a fun day, as the Great Race is scheduled to come back into the Carson Valley, this time for an overnight stay at Lampe Park before heading out the next day on their journey. Named for the 1965 feature film comedy starring Jack Lemmon, Natalie Wood, Peter Falk, and Tony Curtis (who appeared as a special guest in the 2004 Great Race), the event has grown exponentially in popularity since its founding by Tom McRae in 1983.
Trust me when I say, this is a much abbreviated summer itinerary list for 2019. So pack the bags, load the RV and bring your adventure toys. The Carson Valley will be roaring with entertainment and adventure all summer long.
— Charlie Pankey
