Enjoy Lincoln County on foot, wheels or horseback

Lincoln County north of Las Vegas shows off some of its hundreds of miles of trails during its eighth annual observance of National Trails Day on June 4. Events centered in the old railroad town of Caliente include hikes, a 4-by-4 trek, exploration by ATV, an equestrian trail ride, a poker run for prizes and an outdoor awards feast. The event usually draws outdoor adventurers from Eastern and Southern Nevada as well as from Southern Utah.

Since Caliente lies 180 miles from Las Vegas on scenic U.S. 93, participants from this area should plan to arrive the day before the events begin. Lincoln County's small towns each offer a handful of motels and RV parks, which often fill up fast on weekends, holidays and during special events. Many visitors aim for campgrounds in four nearby state parks. A fifth state recreation area close to Caliente is open for day-use only.

Find a registration form online at lincolncountynevada.com/TrailsDay or register in person at Jerry's Sinclair and Mini-Mart in Caliente. Registration is open all day June 3 and from 7 to 9 a.m. on June 4 for all but the horseback event. Register for the horseback trail ride on June 3 or from 7 to 7:45 a.m. on June 4 .

All events except the horseback trail ride start at 9 a.m. June 4 from the parking lot of the Sinclair station. Horseback riders leave at 8 a.m. from the 3L Arena and Horse Motel, 400 Clover Canyon Road. To reach the stables, turn east at Haycock Petroleum in Caliente and drive about one and a quarter miles.

Registration for trail events is free, but poker run hands cost $5. Prizes will include high and low hands and specially marked cards. The catered pizza feed at 2:30 p.m. in the Caliente Rose Park costs $12, or $30 per family group. Commemorative T-shirts, short or long-sleeved, cost $10 or $12 and are available in all sizes.

Participants must sign a liability release, because all the activities on Lincoln County Trails Day include a certain amount of risk. Participants younger than 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Organizers encourage attendees to equip themselves for safety with gear such as goggles, helmets, gloves, sturdy footwear, warm outerwear and clothing appropriate to the activity. Plan to bring water, snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses, personal medications and first-aid supplies. Leave family pets at home. The vehicles participants use on the trail must meet Nevada standards and must be licensed, if that is required.

The National Trails Day observance introduces visitors to portions of Lincoln County's beautiful back country that those who stay on paved roads will never experience. The coalition of public agencies and private individuals and groups that sponsor the event hope to bring visitors back to Lincoln County to further expand their experiences. The Lincoln Communities Action Team cooperates with the Bureau of Land Management, Nevada State Parks, the Lincoln County Commissioners and the city of Caliente to schedule the special day's adventures. The trails followed June 4 are just part of the 240-mile Silver State Trail, a recreational gem in the region.

Horseback riders will follow about 15 miles of old roads and trails through canyons and mountains clad with pygmy forests of pinyon and juniper. The ride begins and ends at the 3L Arena. For more information, phone (775) 726-3823. The trail hike, deemed a moderate outing, covers about four miles of lovely Ash Canyon in the Clover Mountains. It is but one of many hikes possible in the area that take in cultural treasures such as ancient petroglyphs or remnants of the county's colorful mining history.

The Jeep or four-wheel off-pavement route covers a loop of about 50 miles. Count on enjoying majestic scenery with spectacular vistas while visiting historic mine sites. The region's mining past began in 1864 when Nevada was still a territory. Mining success spawned lawless boomtowns such as early Pioche, where claim jumping and gunfights were common occurrences.

The ATV ride offers spectacular views along its 38- to 45-mile length. Stops may include viewing fossils such as trilobites and ancient Native American cultural remnants. Riders frequently spot wildlife along the route.

Margo Bartlett Pesek's column appears on Sundays.