C Hill and Flag Viewpoint
Hike to the iconic 'C' and American Flag for breathtaking panoramic views of Carson City and surrounding mountains.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat, enjoy sunrise
C Hill and Flag Viewpoint
Best Time
Beat the heat, enjoy sunrise
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike to the iconic 'C' and American Flag for breathtaking panoramic views of Carson City and surrounding mountains.
"The view of Nevada's capitol from C Hill is pretty amazing. Great spot to watch sunrise."
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
The climb is steep! Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. Pack snacks too!
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Trails can be rocky and muddy after rain. Good hiking shoes are a must for grip and comfort.
Quick Facts
Rating
4.8 · 4 reviews
Type
Natural Feature
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic 'C'
Mountain side
The large 'C' representing Carson City, a prominent landmark visible from across the valley.
American Flag Viewpoint
Summit
A breathtaking panoramic view of Carson City, Minden, and distant Mt. Rose.
Sunrise Spectacle
Summit
Witness a spectacular sunrise painting the valley and surrounding mountains with vibrant colors.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Time to Hike C Hill
Trail Access & Routes
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
New to Carson City and looking for things to do.
Hi, I'm new to Carson and am looking for things to see and do. I like exploring so anything that's unique or just something fun in Carson would be awesome. What are some suggestions y'all have?
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
The climb is steep! Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. Pack snacks too!
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Trails can be rocky and muddy after rain. Good hiking shoes are a must for grip and comfort.
Why is there a giant "S" on the side of Prison Hill?
Hello fellow Carsonites, I was wondering if anyone knew why there was a giant "S" on Prison Hill, I know many Counties have big letters, and we have the Giant C, and the Flag, a big "D" in Douglas, and the "SV" in Smith Valley, etc. But I cant figure out the Prison Hill one, I'm…
☀️ Avoid Summer Midday
Extreme heat and rattlesnakes are a concern in summer. Hike early or late to stay safe.
🔭 Binoculars Recommended
Great for spotting wildlife or getting a closer look at the valley views.
Tips
from all over the internet
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
The climb is steep! Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. Pack snacks too!
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Trails can be rocky and muddy after rain. Good hiking shoes are a must for grip and comfort.
☀️ Avoid Summer Midday
Extreme heat and rattlesnakes are a concern in summer. Hike early or late to stay safe.
🔭 Binoculars Recommended
Great for spotting wildlife or getting a closer look at the valley views.
Respect the Flag
Signs remind visitors to be respectful of the American flag at the summit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the spectacular panoramic views from C Hill and the iconic 'C' landmark. The hike is considered rewarding, offering a great workout with beautiful scenery. While generally family and dog-friendly, hikers are advised to avoid extreme summer heat and be cautious of slippery conditions after rain.
"While it can be seen from throughout the valley, hiking to C Hill is definitely worth the effort! There are a couple different routes you can take, but the view of Nevada’s capitol is pretty amazing. Great spot to watch sunrise. Take notice of the signs reminding visitors to respect the flag while you’re up there."
Maxwell Doxey
"C-Hill is the "C" representing Carson City under the American Flag located on the east facing mountain side that is visible throughout most of town. This is a popular family and dog friendly hike that although can be year-round, I would not recommended during the summer months due to extreme heat and potential to run into rattlesnakes. Try to hike in dry conditions, as mud accumulates after a storm, making the trail slippery and if you do decided to venture in the warmer months go early to beat the heat.
Views above the C and below the Flag are spectacular and breathtaking to be able to see Mt. Rose to the North with panoramic views of Carson City and Minden to the South. Be sure to bring a pair of binoculars to be able to spot a bird, some deer or check on your house while you are eating your lunch on the bench atop the mountain.
The trek may seem rather simple with it being round trip approximately 2 miles but elevation quickly gaining at 882 feet straight up the mountainside, so take your time and enjoy the scenery. Be sure to bring H20 and maybe a snack or lunch for when you reach the top.
There are a multiple ways to get to C-Hill but I will share a few and of course you may find a few others:
Route #1 - We Use This One
C-Hill McKay Drive Trailhead off of Terrace Street. Take Carson Street to W 5th Street until it dead ends onto Terrace Street (make a left) to McKay Drive. Once on McKay Drive immediately turn Right. This paved road quickly dead ends at a dirt road. There is space for a few cars.
Route #2 - East Face
The shortest (and probably steepest) is from S. Ormsby Blvd, right across the street from Carson Middle School. Carson Middle School is pretty easy to find. Take Carson Street to King Street to Carson Middle School. Once on King Street, pass the Middle School on the right, and immediately turn on S. Ormsby Blvd. This paved road quickly dead ends at a dirt road. There is space for a few cars.
Enjoy as we have over the years whether it be on President's Day to salute the flag, to get a birds eye view of our beautifully growing Carson City, maybe to spy a herd of deer or just enjoy the picturesque Mt. Rose in the distance. #moveyourbody #goodvibes #beautifulday"
LK Bashor
"One of the better spots in Carson City for mountain biking."
Vantageous Ventures
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
There are a few main access points. The McKay Drive Trailhead off Terrace Street is a popular option. Another route is the steeper East Face from S. Ormsby Blvd, near Carson Middle School. Parking is limited at both dirt road trailheads.
Yes, but parking is limited, especially at the dirt road trailheads for McKay Drive and S. Ormsby Blvd. Arrive early to secure a spot.
Absolutely! C Hill is a popular spot for mountain biking, offering a good workout and scenic rides.
The hike involves significant elevation gain and can be steep. It's generally considered family and dog-friendly, but may be challenging for those with mobility issues.
Use GPS coordinates or search for 'C-Hill McKay Drive Trailhead' or 'S. Ormsby Blvd Trailhead' in Carson City. The reviews mention specific street directions to find these access points.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, C Hill and Flag Viewpoint are free to access. It's a public hiking area.
C Hill is generally accessible year-round during daylight hours. However, it's not recommended during extreme summer heat or after heavy storms due to slippery conditions.
There is no entrance fee to hike C Hill and enjoy the viewpoint.
Yes, C Hill is a popular family and dog-friendly hike. Remember to keep your dog leashed and clean up after them.
Visitors are reminded to respect the flag at the summit. Avoid hiking during extreme heat or in muddy conditions for safety.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The hike is approximately 2 miles round trip with a significant elevation gain of 882 feet. It's considered a moderately strenuous hike.
You'll get spectacular panoramic views of Carson City, Minden, and the distant Mt. Rose. It's a great spot for photography.
Absolutely! The panoramic views, the iconic 'C', and the American flag make it a fantastic spot for photos, especially during sunrise or sunset.
While there are no formal amenities, some reviews mention a bench at the top, perfect for enjoying a snack or lunch with a view.
Essential items include plenty of water, snacks, sturdy hiking shoes, sunscreen, and a hat. Binoculars are also recommended for wildlife spotting.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
C Hill itself doesn't have dining facilities. However, Carson City offers various restaurants and cafes a short drive away from the trailheads.
Yes, many visitors enjoy bringing a picnic to have at the summit while taking in the views. Just be sure to pack out all your trash.
Carson City has a range of dining options, from casual diners and fast food to local pubs and sit-down restaurants.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for stunning photographs of the valley and the 'C' landmark.
The iconic 'C' itself, the American flag at the summit, and the panoramic vistas of Carson City and the surrounding mountains are prime photo opportunities.
A smartphone camera is perfectly adequate for capturing the views. However, a camera with a good zoom lens can be beneficial for capturing distant landscapes.
There are no specific photography restrictions mentioned, but always be mindful of other visitors and respect the natural environment.
You can capture wide-angle landscape shots, close-ups of the 'C' and flag, and even shots of wildlife if you're lucky. The views towards Mt. Rose are also very picturesque.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit