You'll find some habits are hard to break in the Old West. Horseback riding remains a popular activity for visitors and it's easy to understand why. Guided tours at Lake Tahoe or through the Mt. Rose Wilderness take riders through aspen groves, meadows and pine forests complete with picturesque views of Mt. Rose.

Some say that the best views of Carson City are from the air. Hang gliding and hot air balloon rides are available throughout the year, weather permitting. Many of the hot air balloon tours include a complete champagne brunch after the flight.

Mild spring temperatures offer the option of skiing one of Lake Tahoe's premier ski resorts in the morning and hitting the golf course in the afternoon. Conveniently located 35-60 minutes from world-class skiing, Lake Tahoe boasts 15 alpine and nine cross-country resorts. Heavenly, Mt. Rose, Diamond Peak, and Kirkwood are all within a short driving distance from Carson City.

In addition to exploring the fringes of Carson City, visitors can enjoy the town's numerous parks and picnic grounds. Many of the parks have lighted tennis courts, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, athletic fields and playgrounds.

Wilderness enthusiasts will find plenty of outdoors activities at nearby Spooner Lake and Washoe Lake State Park. Spooner Lake is located approximately 15 miles from Carson City on U.S. Highway 28 and is recognized as one of the most diverse ecosystems in the area. A 1.75-mile dirt path encircles the lake and is marked by interpretive signs that explain the animal and plant life found at Spooner Lake. An occasional sighting of bald eagles and osprey make the area popular with birdwatchers. Spooner Lake is also Nevada's only catch and release fishery.

For more information on any activity contact us at 1-800-NEVADA-1.

Links to Carson City Parks, Open Space & Cemetary:

1. Mountain Street Trailhead
2. Robert's House
3. Long Ranch Park
4. Governors Field
5. Ross Gold Park
6. Carson City Fairgrounds / Fuji Park
7. Edmonds Sports Complex
8. Carson River Park
9. Riverview Park / Korean War Veterans Memorial Par
10. Linear Park Trail
11. Mills Park, Community Center, Aquatic Facility, Pony Express Pavilion,
    Virginia Orcutt Skateboard Park, and the Wungnema House
12. Capitol City Gun Club
13. Carson Rifle and Pistol Range
14. Moffat Open Space Property
15. Silver Saddle Ranch (Carson City/BLM)
16. Horse Creek Ranch
17. Lone Mountain Cemetery