Situated on the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada range, Reno is home to endless outdoor adventures, and one of the best ways to get out and explore all the area has to offer is by foot. Dive right in with these six epic hikes to conquer near Reno! (As winter settles in, do make sure to watch for winter weather and research trail conditions before heading out. You can always save these awesome hikes for the spring.)
Hunter Creek Trail
This out-and-back hike is one of Reno’s most popular, but it merits a visit despite the crowds. From the epic Sierra scenery to the hike’s payoff feature – a beautiful 30-foot waterfall at the turnaround – the Hunter Creek Trail is every inch of the 6.4 miles in distance and 1,240 feet in elevation gain you’ll tackle along the way. It also makes a great spot for a fun trail run.
Hole in the Wall Trail
This 5-mile out-and-back trail follows the Truckee River and Steamboat Ditch, delivering stunning views of Reno and the city’s mountainous backdrop. With around 400 feet in elevation gain, it’s a moderately difficult trek through the Sierra foothills’ iconic gold and green high desert vegetation. You’ll arrive at the trail’s namesake feature – a hole in a rock wall – at the turnaround point. That hole is actually the end of a tunnel dug by laborers back in the 1800s to help divert water into the Steamboat Ditch. Not a bad payoff! This Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest gem is definitely worth a spin.
Jones and Whites Creek Trail
Plunge into the Mount Rose Wilderness with this strenuous 10-mile hike that serves up amazing alpine scenery – everything from serene lakes and sprawling scree fields to wildlife and towering pines and aspen trees. You’ll earn those views with nearly 2,500 feet of climbing along the way. If you’re looking for a harder hike, this one belongs on your list.
Miners Trail to the “N”
You’ve surely seen it from afar – the giant University of Nevada, Reno “N” in the hills above the city. Now see it up close – along with some pretty epic views of the Reno skyline – with this relatively easy 1.9-mile hike featuring about 400 feet in elevation gain. You start at Rancho San Rafael Regional Park and work your way up. Maintained by UNR students, the “N” is formed out of painted white rocks. Lots and lots of painted white rocks. This is a classic Reno hike you’ll have to tackle at some point during your time here, especially if you’re a fan of the Wolf Pack.
Tamarack Peak Loop
The Tamarack Peak Loop offers up another scenic journey through the Mount Rose Wilderness. Starting just south of Reno, this 5.8-mile loop route ascends 679 feet through classic Sierra landscape packed with cool things to see, including high-alpine lakes and streams, massive rocky outcrops, a huge expanse of evergreens, and an epic waterfall.
Hidden Valley County Park Trail
Head east of Reno for this next-level hike that packs some leg-burning climbs into a 4.2-mile loop. Enjoy awesome views of the desert terrain – and maybe even wild horses, if you’re lucky – as you ascend more than 1,200 feet. You’ll have to take it pretty slow because the loose rock in some of the steeper sections can be a bit hazardous. If you’re looking for a mid-distance hike that’s still super challenging, Hidden Valley is your spot.
Gear Up & Go
Store your outdoor gear at StorQuest Self Storage on Stead Boulevard in Reno and always be ready when adventure calls. Our state-of-the-art facility offers access 7 days a week, so you can swing by, gear up, and hit the trail whenever the backcountry beckons