Genoa/Diamond Valley Loop

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Douglas County, NV, US

Route Overview

Rick Madden

Staying the course throughout the Reno-Tahoe area

42 mi.

1,678 ft.

Relatively flat, low traffic volume ride. This route is easy to extend to Markleeville and (gasp!) Monitor and Ebbets pass.

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Route Details

@photo[Genoa, NV](759363) is a town of substantial history. Situated at the base of the Sierra Nevada range, miners and prospective settlers found the fertile Carson Valley to be an ideal haven after the long, hot journey across this arid state. The site of Nevada’s first non-native settlement, the town still celebrates its pioneer heritage with annual events such as the [Cowboy Festival](http://cowboypoetrygenoa.com/) and [Candy Dance](
http://www.genoanevada.org/thecandydancestory.htm).  It’s our starting location for the Genoa/Diamond Valley Loop.

On the northeast corner of the main (and only) intersection is the @poi[Mormon Station State Historical Park](1058300). It’s a great place to park your car with restrooms and nearby refreshments. Heading south from town on State Route 206 you will pass quiet cattle ranches, hay fields and the occasional residential neighborhood. Except for the stop sign at Kingsberry Grade five and a half miles into your journey, you will find little cross traffic to slow you down.

As quiet at 206 is, the ride gets even more tranquil as you turn onto Fredricksburg Rd. Just down the road a piece you leave Nevada behind and enter @photo[California](759366). But it’s not the busy “Cali” you may dream of. Alpine County is the least populated county in the state, with just over 1,000 (that’s not a typo folks!) residents. For those interested in punishing themselves, this is home to [The Death Ride](http://deathride.com/), 129 miles and 15,000 vertical feet of cycling fun, fun, fun!

Crossing Carson Pass Highway you will find yourself riding along the West Fork of the Carson River. The highway is just above you, but you would hardly dream cars were barreling down that road at 55 mph while you maintain a steady gait up the benign climb. You @slice[briefly turn onto the highway](d,30323.14,30902) for a quarter of a mile, but there is a generous shoulder. Food and refreshments are available at @poi[Woodford Station](1058301) just before turning toward Markleeville.

Diamond Valley Road is just ½ mile down the road. Should you want to extend your ride and attempt Monitor or Ebbets Pass, continue straight. Our route is far less strenuous and just as rewarding.
I’ve yet to experience a headwind on Diamond Valley Road, but I suppose it’s possible. You will find a @slice[gentle decent of 900'](d,32172.47,49926.83) before you turn back onto SR 206 and return to Genoa.

This is a great ride for novices and experienced riders alike. It’s easy to extend into more challenging territory, but why not just round up a group of friends and go out for an enjoyable social ride. Isn’t that what it’s all about?

Genoa/Diamond Valley Loop

Route Overview

Route Details

Other routes by Rick Madden

Reno/Virginia City/Carson City Loop

Truckee to Cisco Grove via Donner Pass

Lake Tahoe Roundabout

Verdi/Somersett Loop

Gold lakes loop

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