Discover the Perfect End of Summer in Carson Valley

Snuggled between the grand rise of the Sierra and the treasured beauty of the Pine Nut Mountains, Carson Valley is considered by many to be Nevada’s most scenic valley. Made up of the towns of Gardnerville, Genoa, Minden and Topaz Lake, the destination just 12 miles east of South Lake Tahoe is reached by U.S. Highway 395 or State Routes 88 and 207. (Photo by Kathy Kaiser)

Experiences and adventure in Carson Valley are unprocessed and unpacked – a perfect send-off to the carefree days of summer. A tour of the valley reveals natural beauty all around: vast farms and ranches, bands of wondering wild horses and more than 50 miles of hiking, biking or walking trails.  The valley’s museums, arts, antiquing and Basque dining make for a peaceful, laid back escape. (Photo by Abigail Keating)

Historic towns to wander

Visit the oldest town in Nevada here—Genoa, settled by John Reese in 1851. Wander the main town square with the Mormon Station State Historic Park, the Courthouse Museum and the oldest bar in the state—still a popular watering hole. After some refreshment, check out the boutique shops, an art gallery, some quaint restaurants and a general store.

H.F. Dangberg, Jr. established Minden in 1905 to fulfill his vision of a European-style planned community designed around a town square, Minden Park. Minden was named after a German town near the birthplace of Dangberg’s father, H.F. Dangberg, Sr., a pioneer in Carson Valley and founder of the Dangberg Land and Livestock Company. The V&T Railroad’s extension of a rail line to Carson Valley, with Minden as the terminus, was key to Dangberg’s plans for the town’s future. The railroad spurred the growth of Carson Valley into a hub of agriculture. (Photo by Rebecca Pearl)

The Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park preserves eight historic structures built between 1857 and 1917, along with a collection of artifacts dating back to 1809. The buildings and the collection help tell the story of the four generations of the Dangberg ranching family. Founder Heinrich Friedrich Dangberg was a German immigrant and one of the first settlers of Carson Valley.

Established in 1879, Gardnerville is a jumping-off point for recreation with its dazzling mountain and valley views, green open spaces and traffic-free roads. The idyllic town offers fun and engaging recreational activities to keep you endlessly entertained. (Photo by Mark Breedon)

Outdoor playground

Carson Valley is one BIG playground. Explore scenic farms, wide open ranches, world class soaring, historic museum discoveries and more. Discover endless miles of mountain biking, hiking and equestrian trails to conquer. Most are dog-friendly and several offer special discovery guides for children.

Use your own pedal power and mountain bike to the Tahoe Rim Trail, offering a nine-mile thrilling descent to Carson Valley – a free roller coaster ride on two wheels. When you’re ready to kick back, soak in the valley’s natural hot spring. (Photo by Kayle Bell)

Be sure to follow the Bently Heritage Trail along the Carson River, winding through a working cattle ranch; the River Fork Ranch Trail System is wheelchair accessible. For those who prefer to explore under power, the area’s many ATV and Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) trails range from dirt roads to rocky washes and steep climbs. Get in a few rounds at your choice of four local golf courses or simply kick back at a hot spring. Located less than 30 minutes away, Lake Tahoe offers reasons to play in any season – hiking, biking and water activities, and ski sports galore. Nearby Heavenly Mountain Resort is one of the most recognized and unique snow sports destinations around, with skiing, riding and après choices in both Nevada and California.

Savor the history

Carson Valley is rich in the history of the Great American West. Its communities honor those roots today through their museums and many historic sites. In Gardnerville, the Museum and Cultural Center is a great place to spend an afternoon exploring exhibits on Nevada’s Basque and Native American heritage and its modern-day wild mustangs.

Go Basque, go fresh, go pink

With nearly 100 options to please any palate, the food in Carson Valley matches the air: fresh, new and uplifting. Head to Gardnerville for chef driven cuisine at the Overland Restaurant and Pub or traditional Basque fare family-style at the J.T. Both of these popular establishments serve the fabled Picon Punch, considered the Basque National drink, in old-time style since around 1900. (Photo by Rebecca Pearl)

Try Genoa’s colorful Pink House founded in 1885 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The French cuisine is served in an interior that matches the style and décor of the late 19th century. And yes, it is really pink.

Minden’s Bella Vista Farm is a “pick your own” farm perfect for a family outing and famous for their Saturday country breakfast.

Unique events

Eagles & Agriculture

Each January visitors can observe eagles and other raptors of all varieties, including Bald Eagles, nesting in Carson Valley during the calving season. Eagles and Ag features exclusive access to ranches for viewing. Tours at multiple ranches give insights to this annual pilgrimage.

Genoa Candy Dance

The Candy Dance Arts and Crafts Faire held each September dates back to 1919 when it began as a fundraiser for the city’s street lights. Today, the event is a fundraiser for city programs and a mainstay in the life of the Genoa community. Held annually on the last full weekend of September, thousands flock to this community to enjoy over 300 craft and food vendors, live music and, of course, the world-famous candy.

Photos courtesy of Visit Carson Valley