The Mexican Ditch Trail: The last bridge is in!
A little history first. The Mexican Ditch was built in the late 1800s to provide power to the crush mills in Empire (the area that is now on the south side of Highway 50 and east of Empire Ranch Road).
Shortly after the ditch was completed the Comstock had pretty well gone bust and the mills began to close down. But the ranchers along the ditch were then able to use the water to irrigate their fields.
Hikers have been able to enjoy the trail along portions of the ditch.
Until recently, there was a major break in the trail where it crossed the ditch. Not a problem during very dry periods, if you didn't mind climbing down into the ditch and then back out again, but during wet periods there was just no way to get across the ditch. I guess I should explain one thing " the "ditch" is about 15 feet wide and about 10 feet deep.
But thanks to some wonderful and dedicated people at Muscle Powered, Lumos and Associates, and the local branch of the ASCE (American Society of Civil Engineers) we can now walk or bike nearly the entire length of the ditch.
There is still a small portion of the ditch in private hands between Empire Ranch Golf Course and the Riverview Park.
Probably the best place to start is from Riverview Park at the east end of Fifth Street. The trail can be accessed either by walking west on Hells Bells Road or Fifth Street (it can also be accessed through the wetlands area of the park).
Once on the Ditch Trail, head south along the trail with two bridge crossings. Take a moment to admire both bridges. Soon after you cross the south bridge you will reach Carson River Road. Be cautious when crossing the road as traffic moves pretty fast here.
After crossing Carson River Road enter the Silver Saddle Ranch, make the first left inside the Ranch and follow the road around to the barn area.
Between the corrals you'll find an opening leading across the ditch to the red ranch house.
Follow the signs to reconnect with the trail and then continue on until you reach the dam and the end of the trail. Then return.
The complete round trip is approximately six miles, but it's not necessary to complete the entire trail in one day. With access from Riverview Park, outside of Silver Saddle Ranch or in Silver Saddle Ranch at the parking area near the barns, you can pick your starting point and do just one section at a time.
If you are interested in joining some of our walks, please feel free to contact me.
- Donna Inversin is walk leader for Muscle-Powered (www.musclepowered.org) and co-chair for special events for We Can. She can be reached at 315-6763.