Nevada · Hiking

Ballardini Ranch Trail

Ballardini Ranch TrailPhoto: Ken Lund, CC BY-SA 2.0 (via Flickr)
2.0 mi
round trip
907 ft
climb
5,509 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Apr–Oct
best months

Is Ballardini Ranch Trail open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Carson Ranger District. It doesn't name Ballardini Ranch Trail, so check the source for the area it covers (3 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Carson Ranger District. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Ballardini Ranch Trail is an easy out-and-back hike in Nevada's Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, within the Carson Ranger District and on county land. The trail starts at about 5,029 feet and climbs to a high point of 5,509 feet, with a total elevation gain of 907 feet over the round trip. The steepest stretch comes at about half a mile in, with a grade of about 12 percent. The most comfortable months for a visit are typically June and September, when typical averages from a nearby weather station run from highs around 75°F to 77°F and lows in the upper 40s. Winter is cold, with typical January highs near 42°F and lows around 24°F. The hike takes about two hours. The Upper Loop and Overlook Loop sit about 0.2 miles away, and the Lower Loop is about 0.6 miles off. Alum Creek, a canoeing spot, is about 4.3 miles away.

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.

  • Best time to go · Apr–Oct

    Best time to visit Ballardini Ranch Trail

    Best months: April–October. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      42° / 24°

    2. Feb

      45° / 26°

    3. Mar

      51° / 30°

    4. Apr

      56° / 33°

    5. May

      65° / 40°

    6. Jun

      75° / 47°

    7. Jul

      85° / 53°

    8. Aug

      84° / 52°

    9. Sep

      77° / 47°

    10. Oct

      64° / 38°

    11. Nov

      52° / 30°

    12. Dec

      42° / 23°

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Verdi 2w, CA, 11.5 mi away at 5,429 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

Keep exploring — more trails worth the drive

Upper LoopPhoto: Ken Lund, CC BY-SA 2.0 (via Flickr)

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Dry PondPhoto: Matt Lavin, CC BY-SA 2.0 (via Flickr)

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Lower Thomas Creek TrailPhoto: Ken Lund, CC BY-SA 2.0 (via Flickr)

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Map and trail data © OpenStreetMap contributors