The Sierra Front Trail: A Vision for 100 Miles of Singletrack in Reno, Nevada

A transformative project is underway in the Reno/Tahoe region, set to revolutionize mountain biking accessibility for over half a million local residents. The Sierra Front Trail, an ambitious 100-mile singletrack network, aims to eliminate the need for lengthy drives to trailheads by providing direct access from neighborhoods to vast national forest lands. This initiative is spearheaded by Kevin Joell, a long-standing advocate for mountain biking trails, whose vision promises to reshape outdoor recreation in the area.

For many years, mountain bikers in Reno faced the inconvenience of commuting through traffic to reach desired trails. This challenge prompted the conception of a comprehensive trail system along the Sierra Front. The idea first took root around 2014 during the Eastern Sierra Trails Coalition summit, where regional trail organizations and land managers converged. It was at this pivotal meeting that Kevin Joell, a veteran mountain bike advocate with over three decades of experience in the Reno/Tahoe area, proposed the "Sierra Front Trail" name. This concept quickly gained traction, partly supported by a 2004 Washoe County open space management plan that had previously outlined a similar "Foothill route." Joell, who has served in leadership roles for both the Tahoe Area Mountain Bike Association (TAMBA) and the Biggest Little Trail Stewardship (BLTS), now dedicates his expertise through Sierra Trail Works, focusing on constructing premium singletrack trails across the region.

While the complete 100-mile route remains a conceptual goal, significant progress has been made on several key segments. Joell, in collaboration with various local entities including Washoe County, the US Forest Service (USFS), and BLTS, has been instrumental in developing the most readily achievable portions of the trail. His estimates suggest that the Washoe County section alone will contribute approximately 65 miles of new singletrack, with the potential to extend beyond 100 miles if private landowners join the endeavor. This strategic approach ensures that segments of the trail are becoming operational even as the larger vision is being realized.

The initial sections of the Sierra Front Trail are not merely hypothetical; Sierra Trail Works has already completed the first 10 miles. An additional nine miles have secured approval and funding, with five more miles approved but awaiting funding. Furthermore, surveys for another two miles have been financed, bringing the total in-progress development to 16 miles beyond the already finished portions. One notable completed section, known as the "Belli" segment, is situated on land managed by the Carson Ranger District of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. Its approval was facilitated by a prior decision memo that had designated 14 miles for "mountain bike trails," though these were initially abandoned forest roads. Joell successfully advocated for redesigning these into sustainable singletrack, securing an RTP grant for planning—a first for Nevada—and resulting in nine miles of enjoyable trail, with six miles officially integrated into the Sierra Front alignment.

In 2022, Sierra Trail Works also added three more miles to the Sierra Front Trail, extending from the Ballardini Trailhead to Thomas Creek. These currently developed trail segments are designed for multi-use, offering a classic singletrack experience. Efforts are now focused on connecting the Belli and Ballardini sections, with 13 miles approved for this purpose. The northern half of this connection has already received funding and is nearing construction. This linkage presents challenges, including significant elevation climbs to navigate around private properties that extend from Reno's outskirts into the mountains. Additionally, the unfunded portion will likely necessitate the construction of three bridges, which, by Forest Service standards, are typically over-engineered for durability. The county has commissioned a private engineer to design these bridges, with hopes that construction will soon commence to facilitate seamless singletrack connectivity.

The overarching philosophy driving this project is Kevin Joell's belief in enabling people to recreate directly from their homes. The Sierra Front Trail aims to connect numerous neighborhoods, currently considered "trail deserts," by establishing accessible trailheads that lead directly onto singletrack and into National Forest lands. This initiative aligns perfectly with the "more trails close to home" movement, promising Reno residents an unprecedented level of proximity to high-quality mountain biking experiences and fostering a stronger connection between communities and their natural surroundings.