Some days I wake up and think "I REALLY want my calves to be on fire for a minimum of 48 hours"…read more Luckily, there's a fix for this craving. And it's the Ophir Creek Trail. Begin your hike either at the equestrian parking area on the Davis Creek Campground Road or further up at the campground itself. This trail head is the starting point for 3 trails, the Discovery Trail, Davis Creek, and Ophir trails. Ophir Creek trail will take you from the Washoe Valley floor all the way up to the TRT if you're feeling brave. It's mostly shaded by evergreens and there are a few places for dogs to cool off and rehydrate. It's not the MOST picturesque of hikes (we're spoiled in Tahoe) but it's pleasant enough. And it'll get your heart beating...which is the point, right? You'll want to bring a LOT of water. And something to munch on if you're heading up to or past Rock Lake. Which, speaking of Rock Lake, talk about a random, weird little hole in the mountain. Granite boulders encompass a muddy, tadpole-ridden pond that's lined by small aspens and bushes. There are lily pads here. And bugs. Like... lots of bugs.... It's a nice little hike that'll make you feel like you're much further than just 15 minutes South of Reno. So, fear not, you'll still have time to mow the lawn when you get home (yippee!!).

Trees and shade can be scarce in the high desert, but if you know where to look, they are abundant,…read moremaking for beautiful places to go for a walk. The Ophir Creek Trail, part of the Tahoe Rim Trail system, is a tree lined trek up an 11%-15% grade located in the Washoe Valley. The steep beginning of the trail connects with the 1.7 mile Discovery Loop at the point where it comes to a T. Make a left and you're on the loop, make a right and you're on the trail, and if you follow the OCT, it actually leads up to the Mount Rose Meadows, where it connects with the rest of the TRT system. From the top down, it's a nice decline that really works your quads and glutes (right?), but from the bottom up, for the uninitiated or out of shape individual (like me), it can be a real ball breaker. The trail is kind of sandy, which combined with the steep grade, makes for a tough place to get traction. When I first hiked it years ago, right in the middle we crossed paths with the raging creek, which ends up filling Davis Creek Pond at the bottom. It was so high that year we had to take off our boots and roll up our pants to stay dry. But in the current drought, there's no water whatsoever. The scenery is quite beautiful, along the trail, with very large pine trees, chipmunks, and other critters scurrying about. Unfortunately I've made the left twice now, and finally realized I was on the loop. Next time I'm making a right and trekking on! The trail is 7.5 miles long and I'm determined to do it!

Sitting right on Washoe Lake, you'll get the most out of a…read morevisit to Washoe Lake State Park by camping at $15.00 per night. It's offered on a first-come basis, There are 29 campsites, equipped with a table, grill with fire rings and room for trailers. Two comfort stations, one of which includes a shower, are available. Several sites can hold an RV up to 45 feet in length. Don't forget to get your Nevada fishing license before dropping a hook into the lake. The views of Washoe Valley & the Sierra Nevada Mountains make it all worthwhile !!

In the almost 20 years we have lived in Northern Nevada, and driven by here enroute back and forth…read morebetween Carson City and Reno, this is the first time I have stopped, gotten out and walked around. I spent some time in the picnic area and walking along the shoreline. The park was well maintained with lots of shady spots, cool grass and sandy beaches. The bathrooms were convenient and clean and there was a generous parking area. There are BBQ grills and lots of picnic tables throughout the area. There is also a large group pavilion. There are a number of trails around, but may be better suited for cooler weather as there is not a lot of shade away from the day-use area. There is a ranger station a few miles north that is worth a stop. Staff are friendly and helpful and there is a small exhibit of old mining and farming equipment and a very nice native plant garden. Definitely worth the stop.

Quality/Quantity - One of our favorite places to do a quick easy hike. It also has on and off…read moreshade. As Reno is a desert, there are NOT enough hiking places with shade. We have to drive towards Mt Rose, Incline, or/and Tahoe. Paved short 1 mile walk/hike. More short unpaved 1 mile, 2 miles roundtrip, hikes. But it was VERY dusty today. Breaking in my new REI Salomon hiking shoes. "Ruined" or broken in on the very first day, lol. Lots of wildlife in the summer. Again, stay safe - Coyotes, bobcats, mule deer, black beers (we get this at the house also, LOL), mountain lions, rodents (too many to name), bats, birds, reptiles, etc. But during the winter, it feels very safe and relaxing. Atmosphere - Plenty of parking. I enjoy visiting these places most during off peak seasons. There are also campsites, BBQ, picnic areas, volleyball courts, horse shoe, clean bathrooms, plenty of parking (cars, RVs, buses, etc). There is even a stage in Eagle Meadows for events. Open 7 days a week from 7am to 7pm (hours are also seasonal, see their website). Clean bathrooms throughout the different parking lots and camp sites. And also "outhouse" smelly bathrooms in other parking lots, you choose... Horse and bike trails. Service - Self service. The visitor center was open, but I did not visit it. Price - Free. Owner Comment - Thank you Washoe County for another great park and trail!

Took a little walk along the Galena Creek Trail. Northern Nevada is most beautiful in the summer…read moreand if you need to get away, just drive up Mt Rose Highway towards Lake Tahoe, and it can be, and was about 11 degrees cooler than in the heart of Reno, Quiet, serene. Beautifula views and smells. Not crowded on a weekday afternoon, Nice snowmelt creeks.

The Bowers Mansion is behind the pool. They have a display about the history about the…read moremansion...Very sad history. It's a very nice park to take a walk and relax.

We recently visited Bowers Mansion to take our annual family photos and had the most enjoyable…read moreexperience! I have often visited this park for the playground and I believe I have been to the pool once or twice as a kid. My most recent visit was the first time I have ever walked the grounds of the mansion and I was so very impressed. I had no idea that there was another small playground near the mansion. I also did not know you could take a tour of the mansion. How cool! I love the historical signs all over the grounds and appreciate the county's effort in educating visitors and keeping the grounds so pristine. The pool, large playground, picnic areas, massive parking areas, historical significance, and wide open expanses are a few of the reasons you should totally go here! Enjoy the great outdoors!

Weather's warming up. Snow has melted and it's time to trade in the ski poles for trekking poles…read more Got in a nice walk on a weekday afternoon. So close to our beloved South Reno. A slice of heaven in our own backyard.

Beautiful place to hike or snow shoe. Today we went snowshoeing! You are at 6,000 feet above law…read morelevel!

Absolutely the best dog walking area in the south Reno area. Offers different terrain (beach,…read moredune, sage forest and wetlands) at both the South and North Landing developed areas. Little Lake Washoe has more limited trails, but offers the opportunity to catch the wild mustangs watering. Trails are hard pan, with intermittent markings. Terrific bird watching (eagles) as well as mighty men in their flying machines!

Did some local camping this weekend and was so surprised with how convenient and clean and well…read moretaken care of the facilities are. It's $15/night for dry camping if you're a Nevada resident, $20 for non residents. There are some nice hiking trails in the area with prime views of the Sierra nevadas. The wildflowers were in bloom and the pagoda trail was beautiful! There is also a nice green park with plenty of picnic tables right by the lake. There was so much snow during winter that the lake was pretty full. All in all a great experience and can't believe it's only a 25 minute drive from home! So fortunate to live surrounded by the mountains!

I love this Mt Rose hiking trail…read more It's about 11 mile loop trail located northeast of Incline Village in Nevada. The trail is considered moderately challenging with a steady climb. It took me about 6 hours to complete. Mount Rose Summit is the highest mountain pass in the Sierra Nevada, which remains open year-round. Gorgeous hiking trail! Enjoy!

Snowy find! We had an amazing time at Mt. Rose summit. Our…read moredoodle-Plumette had a blast running and frolicking in the snow and we loved the convenient location! We loved the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes -which-provided numerous photo opportunities. We wil Although-we were not prepared to hike in the snow-the panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys convinced us to come back to take in a nature hike in the summer. Perk: Dog Friendly

01/17/2025 The trailhead on Callahan Ranch Road gives access…read moreto Callahan Park, but today we were here to hike the Lower Galena Creek Trail. We hiked up to Mt. Rose Highway, which was approximately a 5 mile round trip. The trail has a very gradual elevation gain and is mostly shaded by trees, so currently there are some icy parts on the trail. We used crampons and had no issues. I'm always looking for a new spot to hike and recommend it if you haven't already done it.

What a delightful park! I stopped at the first parking lot not realizing there was a more…read moresubstantial area just beyond the creek. It didn't matter to me because I found a spot in the shade where I could listen to the creek. When I was leaving I saw that there is another whole area to explore which I plan to do soon. I've been working on visiting all the parks in Reno ever since I moved here 11 years ago. I think this may be one of my favorites. Next time I'll take pics!

This is a little hidden gem in Northwest Washoe Valley, off of the old highway 395. It is hidden…read morefrom the new freeway and not visited by many. What a beauty though. Freshly mowed grass, nice little pond for fishing. Picnic area, benches, gazebo and a wonderful view of the surrounding mountainous area. Lots of geese habitating in this 20 acre pastureland area. Much more acreage surrounding. Horseshoe pits, tennis, volleyball. So fortunate to live in this beautiful place in Nevada. So much to do. Get outside!

Wilson Commons Park is on the west side of Washoe Valley…read more There's a 100-year old barn and several buildings. Featuring I20 acres of pasture, and several acres of developed parkland. They have a large picnic area, a fishing pond, horseshoe pits and a tennis court. In warmer weather there's volleyball and benches for viewing the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains.

If you love the outdoors with beautiful scenery of lakes, hiking trails, trees and appreciate the…read moreartistic talent of woodcarvings in tree trunks of fallen or cut trees, you will love Davis Creek Regional park. Nestled close to the freeway between Reno and Carson city, when you drive in, it is like you are in a far away land with tree sculptures and nicely maintained pathways, picnic areas, fishing areas and serenity. The park was not crowded at all. Enjoy it whenever you can for a quick getaway!

Don't forget this one. This is a sleeper in the world of STAY-CATIONS. Easy access to this park in…read morethe woods halfway between Carson City and Reno. Perfect views of Washoe Valley & Lake. Hiking, biking, Bower's Mansion & pool are all just outside your tent or RV. The only draw back is that it is tempting to run to town for forgotten items or take outs. If you need to turn off the city for a few days this is a good spot. Reservations are available and recommended on the Washoe County Parks website. 2024 rates: $30.00 - Per Site/Night with 7 people maximum and 1 vehicle. $6.00 - Per night for each additional vehicle & $6.00 - Per vehicle for visitors (regardless of stay length). $1.00 - Per Pet/Night. $5.00 - RV Dump Station use, & $8.00 - Per bundle of firewood (when available) * Quarter-operated Showers ($1 for 3 minutes). Unique setting for small birthday celebrations or work gatherings because people can come, go, or stay pretty easy.