The Hike:
Today we went out to the Prosser Hill Loop Trail. Weather was warm for Truckee in February running around 52 degrees. The trail was muddy in many sections combined with patchy snow (see picture below for current conditions from Feb 20, 2014). The Forest Service has done a good job thinning out the trees in this area however off trail there is quite a bit of forest litter which makes hiking off the trail difficult. This trail climbs roughly a thousand feet from the parking area to ~6600 ft. It has a brilliant view of Prosser Lake, Verdi Peak, Martis Valley and Northstar. If you want to get away from people this is the place to go, I rarely see anyone out here.
Rating:
Moderate to difficult. There are sections of steep climbs which are mediated by sweeping switchbacks heading down.
Distance:
Roughly 6 miles, there is a map at the parking area near the bathroom.
Getting There:
Take Highway 89 heading to Sierraville from Truckee. About 5 miles past Truckee there will be a sign for Prosser Hill OHV area and the parking is on the left. There is a vault toilet and a map detailing the area. From the parking area head slightly left and you will see a sign for the trail. You will head up a switchback trail to the top of a small peak with a great view, after this the trail straightens out for 1.5 miles and then begins to climb again after a quick view of the Donner Summit area. From here the trail will head to the top of Prosser Hill with sweeping views, the decent is on a switchback trail that is well maintained. Once down at the bottom follow the dirt road back to the parking area, there is a sign there to provide direction but just stick close to the base of the hill.
Atmosphere:
Leash required: No
Water: None, bring plenty for yourself and your pooches
Usage: Technically this is an OHV and mountain bike trail but there is rarely anyone out there. In winter there are snowmobilers but they tend to unload at the Prosser parking area and head up the road heading right.
Today we went out to the Prosser Hill Loop Trail. Weather was warm for Truckee in February running around 52 degrees. The trail was muddy in many sections combined with patchy snow (see picture below for current conditions from Feb 20, 2014). The Forest Service has done a good job thinning out the trees in this area however off trail there is quite a bit of forest litter which makes hiking off the trail difficult. This trail climbs roughly a thousand feet from the parking area to ~6600 ft. It has a brilliant view of Prosser Lake, Verdi Peak, Martis Valley and Northstar. If you want to get away from people this is the place to go, I rarely see anyone out here.
Rating:
Moderate to difficult. There are sections of steep climbs which are mediated by sweeping switchbacks heading down.
Distance:
Roughly 6 miles, there is a map at the parking area near the bathroom.
Getting There:
Take Highway 89 heading to Sierraville from Truckee. About 5 miles past Truckee there will be a sign for Prosser Hill OHV area and the parking is on the left. There is a vault toilet and a map detailing the area. From the parking area head slightly left and you will see a sign for the trail. You will head up a switchback trail to the top of a small peak with a great view, after this the trail straightens out for 1.5 miles and then begins to climb again after a quick view of the Donner Summit area. From here the trail will head to the top of Prosser Hill with sweeping views, the decent is on a switchback trail that is well maintained. Once down at the bottom follow the dirt road back to the parking area, there is a sign there to provide direction but just stick close to the base of the hill.
Atmosphere:
Leash required: No
Water: None, bring plenty for yourself and your pooches
Usage: Technically this is an OHV and mountain bike trail but there is rarely anyone out there. In winter there are snowmobilers but they tend to unload at the Prosser parking area and head up the road heading right.