Lakeview Hobart Loop

Dogs Off-leash

Features Birding · Lake · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

This hike is on dirt roads closed to vehicles. It alternates between steep and level sections with great views of Washoe Valley and the surrounding mountains. The steep areas are generally forested and the flatter traverses are more exposed. The highlights of this one are the views including Hobart Reservoir, Red House and beautiful wildflower displays in late spring to early summer. Watch for bears near Hobart. This trail is part of a larger trail system with connections to Marlette Lake, the Tahoe Rim Trail and Ash Canyon.

The trailhead is at the end of Hobart Road in Lakeview Estates at the south end of Washoe Valley. There are no facilities. Parking is along the street BEFORE the "Horse trailers only" parking area.

The dirt road, Franktown Creek Road, climbs to the north with views of Washoe Valley. A steep, forested section begins where the trail intersects McEwen Creek and follows the creek upstream. After approximately 2.8 miles and 1,400 feet of elevation gain, the trail levels off for a while. The loop begins where the trail intersects McEwen Creek again. Go to the right to continue traversing on Tanks Road around the mountain (if you prefer to do a shorter (10 mile) out-and-back to Hobart, go uphill to the left).

At 6.75 miles, cross Franktown Creek and check out Red House. There's a picnic table under the trees. Continue uphill along Franktown Creek. At the end of the meadow, there's a sign for the Marlette Lake Trail junction. Continue straight to Hobart Reservoir. A short uphill takes you to a saddle with an intersection to Ash Canyon on the right. This is the high point of the hike. Continue downhill to the intersection where the loop began. Retrace the remaining of the hike back to the Lakeview trailhead.

Deer are abundant. A black bear can occasionally be seen near Hobart so please do not leave your food unattended. Hobart is good for fishing. The hillsides are covered with arrowleaf balsamroot, mules ears, blooming bitterbrush, paintbrush, coyote mint and other wildflowers in late spring.