Near Carson City in Douglas County, Nevada — The American Mountains (Southwest)

Johnson Cutoff – Spooner Summit

Photographed by Joseph Alvarado, May 17, 2023

1. Johnson Cutoff – Spooner Summit Marker

Inscription. “A gradual ascent [rough road], the latter portion in a ravine [of Clear Creek], to the top of a ridge [at Spooner Summit].”
- William Bartlett [Bartlett’s Guide], Aug 13, 1853

Guidebook Available
Trails West Inc. P.O. Box 12045 Reno NV 89510

Erected 2011 by Trails West Inc. (Marker Number JC-5.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the California Trail, and the Trails West Inc. series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1853.

Location. 39° 6.263′ N, 119° 53.85′ W. Marker is near Carson City, Nevada, in Douglas County. It is on Lincoln Highway (U.S. 50) west of Kings Canyon Road, on the right when traveling west. The marker is mounted to railroad rail welded into a "T", at the west end of the westbound turnout for Spooner Summit where it intersects with the Tahoe Rim Trail. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Carson City NV 89703, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Sierra Nevada,

in the Lake Tahoe Basin,

and in Greater Reno Area.

It is also in the

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American Mountain West.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Hiking the Tahoe Rim Dream (a few steps from this marker); Marlette Lake Trail (within shouting distance of this marker); The Flume Trail (within shouting distance of this marker); Tahoe Rim Trail (within shouting distance of this marker); Spooner Summit (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Riding the Flume (about 700 feet away); Life at the Summit (about 700 feet away); Tomb of the Sierras (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Carson City.

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. Spooner Summit

Also see . . . Johnson Cutoff. Forgotten Nevada: Emigrant Routes Through Nevada

"This cutoff was developed by John Calhoun Johnson of Placerville in about 1850–51. Leaving the future site of Carson City, the cutoff passed over the Carson
Photographed by Joseph Alvarado, May 17, 2023

2. Johnson Cutoff – Spooner Summit Marker
Range by following Cold Creek (via Kings Canyon Road) and passing over 7,150 feet (2,180 m) Spooner Summit (now used by U.S. Route 50)."

(Submitted on May 22, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California.)

Credits. This page was last revised on July 5, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 22, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California. This page has been viewed 598 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 22, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California.