2024 marks the diamond anniversary year of George R. Stewart’s classic novel, Earth Abides. This saunter up the old Lincoln Highway in west Carson City is in honor of that work, its 75 years of continuing publication, and its author.
The hike led by local writer and authorized Stewart biographer Donald M. Scott will lead participants from the parking lot near Lower Kings Canyon Falls (at the western end of the paved section of Kings Canyon Road) into the eastern edge of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest and back to the parking lot. It follows the Historic Lincoln Highway Route, which was preceded by a network of wagon toll roads between Carson City and Placerville, which in turn followed the prehistoric trails used by the Wašišiw and the “Old People.”
Space is limited. Advance registration is required.
Be advised: The old road is steep, rocky, and carries light traffic, including other hikers, the occasional pickup or ATV, and – rarely – bicyclists speeding down the hill. Again rarely, wildlife may be sighted. Some of the route is unshaded. So be prepared, with a good hat, good boots, water, and alert and watchful senses. We will be hiking up into the forest for about a mile/mile and a half, and have an elevation gain of about 750 feet, with stops along the way.
There is a vault toilet at the Lower Kings Canyon Falls parking lot.
Parking is limited. If coming with others, we suggest parking in or near the free lot at 3rd and Curry Streets and carpooling from there.
For those who are interested: after the hike, Donald Scott can convene an informal lunch/conversation at one of the restaurants near the Curry/Third Street lot. Please let him know if you are interested, so he can make arrangements.
Scott will share a presentation and overview of Stewart on September 14 at Carson City Library. Learn more about this free event here.
This program is supported with funding by the Charles Redd Center for Western Studies at Brigham Young University and the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Donald M. Scott
Donald M. Scott taught high school, adult school, and community college. He also worked as a National Park Ranger and the NASA state educational representative for Nevada and other states as well as caretaker for historic Walking Box Ranch. A published writer, Scott lives in Carson City. For more information about Scott and his work visit georgestewart.wordpress.com.
