The Prison Hill area is one of the most popular recreational trail areas in the Carson City vicinity without heading up to the mountainous areas, and the climb through Dead Truck Canyon is the most direct route to the summit of the hill.
Starting at a signed trailhead in the Silver Saddle Ranch area, the trail up Dead Truck Canyon is straightforward, heading straight to the slope of the hillside before weaving up the canyon. Over the 1.67 mile climb from the tralihead to the summit, this trail progresses from sloped views across the Carson River valley to the enclosing landscape of a windy canyon and finally to panoramic views as the trail emerges at the top of the hill. The path maintains a steady grade until it hits the fork where the route to the summit leaves the Dead Truck Canyon trail, from which point the remainder of the hike becomes a rocky and technical hike up very steep slopes.
From the top, hikers can enjoy 360 degree vistas, with the peaks of the Sierra dominating views to the west and the Carson Valley and development of the capitol city below stretching across the near distance.
It is also easy to get a view of the large number of trails around Prison Hill, not to mention the surrounding mountains. After enjoying the views, hikers can start to descend the way they came to return to the trailhead.
Parking is inside the Silver Saddle Ranch area, which is open daily from 6am to 6pm. Aside from a trash can, there are no other amenities at the trailhead. Vault toilets can be found in a different part of the ranch parking area, though there is no water here. There is also no shade along the hike.
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