Highland Loop Trail Improvements
Upgrading Community Trails for Long-Term Sustainability and Access
Great public trail systems require more than construction, they require long-term thinking, durable design, and careful adaptation to real-world use conditions.
Dirt & Diesel Excavation was selected by Washoe County Regional Parks & Open Space to complete trail improvements within the Highland Loop Trail system at Hidden Valley Regional Park in Reno, Nevada.
This project included the rehabilitation of approximately three miles of existing natural surface singletrack trail, targeted reroutes of unsustainable sections, and the decommissioning and restoration of legacy trail segments that were contributing to erosion and long-term maintenance issues.
Work also included drainage corrections, slope stabilization, and localized trail realignment to improve rider experience and overall system performance.
The goal was to improve sustainability and function while preserving the existing character of the trail system and enhancing long-term usability for all trail users.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Improving a High-Use Regional Trail System in Reno, Nevada
The Highland Loop Trail system is one of the most heavily used multi-use recreation networks within Hidden Valley Regional Park. It supports hikers, runners, and mountain bikers and serves as a key recreational asset for the Reno community.
Over time, repeated use combined with erosion-prone soils and natural slope movement created sections of trail that required rehabilitation to maintain safe and sustainable access.
Successful improvements required a balance between maintaining existing user experience and upgrading the system to meet modern sustainable trail design standards, including improved drainage, better grade control, and more consistent tread width.
All work was completed under Washoe County Regional Parks & Open Space direction with requirements aligned to U.S. Forest Service trail construction standards and Recreational Trails Program funding guidelines.
PROJECT PARTNERSHIP
Working with Washoe County Regional Parks & Open Space
This project was completed in partnership with Washoe County Regional Parks & Open Space, the agency responsible for managing and maintaining the Hidden Valley trail system.
The work required close coordination with county staff to ensure construction stayed within approved alignments and met the intent of the design specifications.
Field conditions required ongoing communication and minor adjustments to trail alignment while maintaining compliance with overall project standards.
Dirt & Diesel Excavation provided field execution, excavation expertise, and sustainable trail construction methods to deliver a system that meets both recreational and environmental objectives.
PROJECT SCOPE
Trail Rehabilitation, Reroutes, and System Improvements
The project focused on the rehabilitation of approximately three miles of existing singletrack trail within the Highland Loop system.
Trail improvements included widening tread where feasible to approximately 36-48 inches and re-establishing consistent, sustainable trail geometry throughout the corridor. Grade corrections and drainage improvements were implemented to reduce erosion and improve long-term durability.
Rolling grade reversals and outsloped tread were incorporated throughout the system to ensure proper water shedding and reduce maintenance requirements.
Approximately 350 feet of trail were rerouted to improve alignment and sustainability, while approximately 300 feet of legacy trail were fully decommissioned and restored to natural conditions. These areas were recontoured and blended back into the surrounding landscape to restore drainage and reduce visual and environmental impact.
Localized improvements also included slope stabilization and targeted structural reinforcement where trail conditions required additional support.
CONSTRUCTION APPROACH
Built to Meet USFS Standards and Long-Term Durability Goals
All construction was completed using sustainable trail design principles consistent with U.S. Forest Service specifications for natural surface trails.
Trail alignment followed natural contours wherever possible to reduce erosion risk and improve long-term stability. Grade control was achieved through rolling grade dips, frequent drainage breaks, and careful management of slope transitions.
Native materials were used throughout the project to maintain natural trail character and minimize imported material needs.
In areas with higher erosion risk or structural constraints, localized retaining solutions and stabilization techniques were used to maintain trail integrity without overbuilding the system.
Decommissioned trail segments were fully restored to natural grade, allowing water flow and vegetation recovery to reestablish over time.
PROJECT OUTCOME
A More Sustainable, Durable, and User-Friendly Trail System
The Highland Loop Trail Improvements project resulted in a significantly improved multi-use trail system within Hidden Valley Regional Park.
Rehabilitation work improved tread consistency, drainage performance, and overall safety across the system. Rerouted sections provide better long-term sustainability, while decommissioned areas reduce environmental impact and ongoing maintenance demands.
The updated trail system now provides a more reliable and enjoyable experience for all users while supporting Washoe County’s long-term land management and recreation goals.
This project demonstrates Dirt & Diesel Excavation’s ability to deliver technically precise trail construction in high-use public recreation environments.
NEED TRAIL CONSTRUCTION SUPPORT?
Dirt & Diesel Excavation works with counties, municipalities, land managers, nonprofits, and private clients to build and maintain sustainable trail systems across Northern Nevada.
Our work includes new trail construction, system rehabilitation, drainage correction, erosion control, and long-term maintenance programs designed for durability, safety, and real-world use conditions.