Infrastructure Improvements Underway at Spooner Lake State Park

The Nevada Division of State Parks is undertaking an important infrastructure project to enhance the long-term safety and sustainability of the Marlette Dam. As part of this effort, select backcountry trails within Spooner Lake State Park will be temporarily closed beginning March 31, 2025, through 2026. Trails leading to and surrounding the area will be closed to the public. To complete these vital upgrades, Marlette Lake will be drained and temporarily closed to visitors. While this means limited access in the short term, the result will be a safer, more resilient natural area for generations to enjoy, with many scenic trails and activities available to explore in the meantime. View the full list of trail closures, including Marlette Lake Trail, Marlette Creek Trail, Marlette Dam Road, and Marlette Lake Road.

About

The Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park Spooner Backcountry is a widespread recreational and natural oasis. Spooner Lake, at the intersection of State Route 28 and U.S. 50, is popular for picnicking and catch-and-release fishing. It is also home to the new Spooner Summit rental concession. Services include an overnight stay in backcountry cabins and mountain bike rentals for riding miles of trails in the summer months. Spooner Lake is also a major trailhead for gaining access to the Spooner Backcountry. The backcountry comprises more than 12,000 acres of forested open space with over 50 miles of hiking, equestrian and mountain biking trails and primitive roads. Vehicles are not permitted in the backcountry, which has been designated as a state primitive area. A few of the more popular trails in this area are the Marlette and Red House Flumes as well as the Tahoe Rim Trail that runs along the crest of the Carson Range.