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Zipper Loop

Difficult Difficult
 4.0 (10)
  1. Areas
  2. NV
  3. …Lake Tahoe Area, Reno, Carson City
  4. Reno and Sparks
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“A great local trail with a lung busting, quad burning climb to warm you up. ”

Markk Knowles
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6.7

Miles

10.7

KM
Singletrack

5,322' 1,622 m

High

4,592' 1,400 m

Low

1,364' 416 m

Up

670' 204 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (3°)

19%

Max Grade (11°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Allowed

Description

The Zipper Loop is most notable for its inspiring climb and outstanding views of the local area.

It has a good number of options to be ridden. After enduring the steep climb loaded with tight switchbacks the trail has a lot of rocky, bone shaking terrain. I found it to be very enjoyable for the many challenges throughout the trail. The ride back down the initial climb will put a smile that stays with you for a while.

Contacts

Land Manager: USFS - Humboldt & Toiyabe National Forests Office

Shared By:

Markk Knowles with improvements by John Scott
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 10 votes

#2

in Reno and Sparks

#10821

Overall
  4.0 from 10 votes
5 Star
10%
4 Star
80%
3 Star
10%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#2

in Reno and Sparks

#100

in Nevada

#10,821

Overall
10 Views Last Month
5,226 Since Jul 22, 2013
Difficult Difficult
0%
0%
13%
13%
75%
0%
Add a Photo

Photos

July 2017 aftermath. The trail is still rideable.
Jul 20, 2017 near Spanish…, NV
July 2017 wildfire aftermath.
Jul 20, 2017 near Spanish…, NV
The view north from the bluffs at the top of the Zipper. You can see the Zipper trail switchbacking down the slope behind and Golden Eagle Sports Complex in the background. Just right of the handlebars in the photo is Graffiti Rock.
Oct 3, 2013 near Spanish…, NV
Sunlight filtering through the clouds on the lower end of the loop
Oct 3, 2013 near Sparks, NV
Top of the initial climb
Jul 22, 2013 near Spanish…, NV
Typical switchback
Jul 22, 2013 near Spanish…, NV

2 Comments

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Weather

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Check-Ins

Jan 24, 2026
Anonymous
Rocky on the west side but enjoyable for the rest of it
Jun 25, 2024
John Scott
This is one rocky ass headache making arm shaking trail. Switchbacks are tight and sometimes technical. Rocky shale descents are interesting and fun. 8.7mi — 1h 15m
Apr 7, 2021
Chaz Dunn
Nice trail, pretty gnarly switchbacks. Good to practice tight turns on though
Jun 22, 2019
Eric Johnson
Apr 1, 2018
Tami McAlister
this trail is great but it's too sketchy with range shooters, I literally had to go around 2 people shooting across a trail today!
Nov 11, 2017
Devin Espin
Sep 8, 2017
Tami McAlister
Jul 1, 2017
Brandon C

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