Peavine Maze Trail Maintenance & New Trail Construction
Supporting Sustainable Recreation Through Professional Trail Construction
Great trail systems require ongoing care, intentional design, and a long-term approach to how people interact with the land.
Dirt & Diesel Excavation partnered with Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship to complete trail construction and maintenance improvements within the Peavine Maze Trail System on the Carson Ranger District of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest.
This project included approximately one mile of new OHV singletrack construction, the decommissioning and restoration of approximately 1,500 feet of unsustainable legacy trail, and targeted maintenance across existing segments of the system. Work also included drainage correction, erosion repair, and the construction of trail features such as berms, jumps, and terrain-based flow elements.
The goal was not simply to expand trail mileage, but to improve long-term sustainability, restore damaged sections of trail, and build a system that performs under real use and real conditions.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Improving a High-Use Recreation System in Challenging Terrain
The Peavine Maze Trail System is a well-used recreation area supporting OHV users, mountain bikers, and other outdoor recreation users in the foothills outside Reno, Nevada. The terrain presents a mix of loose soils, steep grades, and erosion-prone slopes that require thoughtful construction methods to ensure long-term stability.
Successful trail construction in this environment depends on more than shaping a riding surface. It requires careful attention to drainage, grade control, alignment, and how water moves through the landscape during seasonal storms and high-use periods.
Dirt & Diesel supported Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship in implementing field construction practices aligned with USFS trail standards and modern sustainable trail design principles, with a focus on building trails that shed water naturally and hold up under repeated use.
PROJECT PARTNERSHIP
Working Alongside Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship
This project was completed in partnership with Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship, a nonprofit organization focused on sustainable trail development, recreation access, and long-term stewardship of public lands.
Working within this framework required close coordination, adherence to flagged alignments and design intent, and execution in accordance with U.S. Forest Service trail construction specifications. It also required adapting to real-time field conditions while maintaining consistency with the overall trail plan.
Dirt & Diesel provided excavation capabilities and field execution experience to support SBTS in delivering a finished trail system that meets both recreational and environmental objectives.
PROJECT SCOPE
New Construction, Restoration, and Trail System Improvements
The project combined new trail construction with restoration of previously impacted areas and rehabilitation of existing corridors.
Approximately one mile of new OHV singletrack was constructed using full bench-cut techniques and native material tread construction. The alignment followed natural contours to maintain sustainable grades, incorporating frequent grade reversals and drainage breaks to reduce erosion and improve long-term durability.
In addition to new construction, approximately 1,500 feet of unsustainable legacy trail was fully decommissioned. These sections were recontoured, decompacted, and restored to reestablish natural drainage patterns and reduce ongoing environmental impact.
Existing trail segments within the system received targeted maintenance to improve overall function and rider experience. This included drainage correction, erosion repair, reshaping of trail tread, and the removal of excessive undulations that had formed over time. Select areas were reinforced with rock armoring to stabilize wet or erosion-prone sections.
To improve flow and user experience, terrain-based features such as bermed corners, rollers, and constructed transitions were integrated into the system where appropriate. These features were designed to enhance ride quality while maintaining sustainable trail geometry.
PROJECT OUTCOME
A More Sustainable and Functional Trail System
The completed Peavine Maze improvements resulted in a more sustainable and resilient trail network that better serves both recreational users and the surrounding environment.
The addition of new OHV trail mileage expanded recreational access in the area, while restoration and decommissioning work reduced long-term erosion impacts and improved watershed function. Maintenance and feature construction improved overall ride quality and created a more cohesive trail experience.
This project reflects Dirt & Diesel Excavation’s ability to execute technically demanding trail construction in complex terrain while supporting broader stewardship and land management goals.
NEED TRAIL CONSTRUCTION SUPPORT?
Dirt & Diesel Excavation works with land managers, nonprofits, counties, contractors, and private landowners to build and maintain sustainable trail systems throughout Northern Nevada.
Our work includes new trail construction, rehabilitation of existing systems, drainage correction, remote terrain construction, and long-term trail maintenance programs.