Hike the Calico Tanks Trail at Red Rock Canyon
While there aren’t any fees associated with the trail itself, the trail is located inside Red Rock Canyon, which does…
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If you live in the Las Vegas area or you’re planning to visit soon and you’re in search of local hiking trails, you can’t go wrong with one of the most popular in the area - the Calico Tanks Trail.
Located in Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, right off the Scenic Drive, this trail takes hikers on a thrilling experience through red and white sandstone formations across rolling hills and inside the walls of a canyon, before ending at the famed Calico Tank and a jaw dropping view of the valley below.
While the trail length is moderate, coming in at only 2.4-miles, out and back, it’s far from your normal, everyday trail as there’s some mild scrambling required, increasing the time it’ll take to complete the hike.
Curious to see what the trail looks like? Want to know where the parking lot is and what, if any, fees are associated with this hike? I discuss all of that and more in the post below.
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Trail Stats
Location: Red Rock Canyon National Recreation Area, Las Vegas, NV
Fee: Up to $20 per vehicle
Open: All year
For: Hikers
Cell Service: Spotty, at best
Restroom: At the trailhead
Parking: Large paved lot at the trailhead
EV Stations: None
Difficulty: Moderate
Popularity: High
Mileage: 2.4 miles, out and back
Elevation Gain: 440 feet
Condition: Trail is dotted with trail markers, but there isn’t much of a designated path for most of it. Bringing a map would be wise
Features: Beautiful sandstone formations, the Calico Tank and a great view of Las Vegas at the end
Accessible: Any time of year, but with the limited shade and the extreme heat, summer isn’t ideal
Pets: Not allowed
Drones: Not allowed
Hazards: Little to no shade, sandy boulders and rattlesnakes
My Visit(s): August 2023
Take a look at these products that I recommend for this hike…
Red Rock Canyon Fees and Parking
While there aren’t any fees associated with the trail itself, the trail is located inside Red Rock Canyon, which does charge a fee to enter. Fees for 2024 are as follows:
$20 per vehicle
$10 per motorcycle
$8 per bicyclist
$5 per pedestrian
Furthermore, if you’re visiting between the months of November and May, a timed reservation will be required to access the park between the hours of 8am and 5pm. An additional $2 fee will be charged by Recreation.gov for these.
If you have any variation of the America the Beautiful pass, you can use it for entry here. You will still need a reservation during the months mentioned above, though. Conversely, you can purchase a Red Rock Canyon annual pass for $50.
The parking lot for the Calico Tanks Trail is easy to find, as it’s located just off Scenic Drive on the right. It’s fairly large, capable of holding several dozen vehicles or so, and is paved.
It’s the second parking lot you’ll encounter along Scenic Drive. The first one is for the Calico Hills and Basin, so don’t confuse the two (though this area is also worthy of exploring if you have the time).
Unfortunately, Red Rock Canyon experiences vehicle break ins and thefts at the most popular parking lots, Calico Tanks being amongst them. So don’t leave valuables in plain view.
Near the entrance, I pulled over to take a photo of the welcome sign and while doing so, I witnessed a black SUV pull over. A young man jumped out, looked into my car and the car parked in front of me, looked up and saw me, jumped back in his car and took off. So definitely heed the warnings.
The Trail
The trailhead is located at the northern end of the parking lot, next to the restrooms. There’s trail signage here advising visitors of potential hazards and/or trail conditions, so be sure to give them a quick read.
The trail begins in the shade of the large canyon wall and runs straight for about 30 yards, before pivoting right towards an area of gravel wash.
This area can be easy to lose at times as the trail appears to have been washed away by reoccurring flooding events. You’ll know you’ve went the right direction when you see two giant boulders on your left (pictured below).
Past these boulders, you’ll travel along a clear pathway for a short spell before coming across an even larger gravel wash field. Throughout this stretch, it would be advisable to have a map on hand as the trail is non-existent.
If you don’t have one, just keep an eye out for the trail markers and make your way to the next one the best you can, simply repeating the process until you’re back on the path.
After a short while, the trail will become obvious again and will narrow as it aligns with the canyon walls. It is here where your adventure truly begins.
If there’s been rainfall recently, you’ll likely encounter several large puddles of water and work your way through the canyon. None of them are deep or treacherous, though.
You can easily bypass many of them by utilizing the spur trails, but there is one in particular that forces you to either scramble over the sandstone or just accept the fact that your feet are going to get wet.
You’ll soon come upon the first of many large boulders you’ll need to negotiate in order to complete the trail. None of which are difficult.
There are no ropes or chains to hoist yourself up on, nor will you need any special equipment. Be sure to bring shoes or boots with good tread, though, as the sandstone is slick and sandy in some spots.
Much like at the beginning of the trail, there are several trail markers placed along this stretch indicating the best possible path, as there is no proper trail from this point forward.
You’re never out of eye-shot of one of these markers, so as soon as you make your way to one, simply look around to find the next and make your way there, watching your steps.
Depending on the time of day, you’ll have some shade on this section of the trail, but it’s mostly in the morning. As the sun gets higher, the amount of shade dissipates, leaving you more exposed to the Las Vegas heat.
It goes without saying, but you should bring as much water your shoulders can handle on this hike. It’s always better to bring too much than not enough.
You’ll know you’re nearing the end of the trail when you reach a series of sandstone steps, coupled with a dirt path leading you upward.
At the top of those sandstone steps, you’ll notice a notch in the distance. Just beyond that notch is where the Calico Tank lies.
The water level in the tank varies throughout the year. It can be anywhere from bone dry in the summer to full and frozen over in the winter.
Either way, it makes for a great spot to sit and enjoy a snack. There are numerous rocks to sit on along the trail on the south side of the tank. Additionally, if the water level is low enough, there’s a small area on the shore where you can sit.
Just beyond the tank is an outstanding view of Las Vegas and the valley. I did not go any further as I was feeling the effects of the day’s 108 degree heat and had to turn back.
From what I was told by others on the trail that day, you’ll need to do a little more boulder hopping past the tank to reach the overlook, but it’s only a few more minutes beyond the tank.
READ NEXT: “How to Spend a Few Hours at Valley of Fire in the Summer”
How to See Elephant Rock at Valley of Fire
Located on the east side of Valley of Fire State Park, just inside the entrance, sits a sandstone formation so unique…
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Located on the east side of Valley of Fire State Park, just inside the entrance, sits a sandstone formation so unique that it has become one of the most popular in the park - Elephant Rock.
From nearly any angle, you can make out the shape of the trunk, head and body of an elephant. When using your imagination, you’ll start to notice the outline of legs in the rock. It’ll make you question if you’re actually looking at a formation, or an actual mammoth encased in rock.
Elephant Rock is a must-see when visiting Valley of Fire for the first time. It’s easily accessible and something the whole family can participate in.
So how do you get to Elephant Rock? What is the trail like? What’s the parking situation? I answer all of these questions and more below. Let’s get into it.
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Trail Stats
Location: Valley of Fire State Park, Southern Nevada
Fee: $15 per vehicle day use fee ($10 for Nevada plates)
Permit: None
Open: All year
Cell Service: Spotty
Restroom: At the trailhead
Parking: Small, paved lot at the trailhead
EV Stations: None
Difficulty: Easy
Popularity: High
Mileage: 0.3 miles, RT
Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour
Elevation Gain: About 50 feet
Condition: Maintained
Features: Sandstone formation in the shape of an Elephanet
Best Viewed: Early morning for low crowds, late afternoon for best light
Pets: Not allowed
Drones: Not allowed
Hazards: Heat can be extreme and little-to-no shade
Our Visit(s): August 2023
Parking at Elephant Rock & Getting There
The ease of getting to Elephant Rock highly depends on which entrance you’re entering the park through. Elephant Rock is just past the east gate, on the right. So if you’re driving in on this side, you’re already there.
If you’re entering through the west gate, though, you’ll need to drive for eleven miles on the Valley of Fire Scenic Byway to the east gate, passing other attractions along the way, such as; The Beehives, Atlatl Rock and Mouse’s Tank Road.
The parking lot for Elephant Rock is fairly small and paved, capable of holding a fair amount of vehicles. When the gate is unstaffed, this lot doubles as a place to park for visitors to pay their entry fees.
When I was here in August, my vehicle was the one of only two in the lot. Due to extreme heat, summer isn’t an ideal time to visit Valley of Fire, so visitation was low on this day.
If you come during the peak season, which is October through April, that’ll likely be different. On a particularly busy day, I can see this lot filling up early and quickly. So arrive as early as possible.
To find the trailhead, simply walk between the brick structure and the Valley of Fire photo opp sign on the right. You’ll find the trail behind the structure leading towards the sandstone ridge in the distance.
The Trail to Elephant Rock
The trail is short and sweet with very little elevation gain. You’ll be walking uphill nearly the entire way but it’s nothing difficult. In fact, until you get close to Elephant Rock, it’s barely noticeable.
There’s only one trail junction. You will find it at around the halfway mark. Going right will place you on the 1.2-mile Arrowhead Trail. To keep to Elephant Rock, continue left.
Shortly after the trail junction, you’ll notice the trail is leading you back towards the road. Once you are aligned with the road, you’ve reached the end of the trail. Elephant Rock will be to the right of the road, looking up.
Do keep in mind to stay off the road. Visibility of this area from the vehicle perspective isn’t very good, as they’ll be coming up a hill towards you.
Elephant Rock
Elephant Rock is easily viewed from below, with no real reason to force yourself to climb up to it. There are a number of paths leading the way if you choose to do so, though.
There is a sign stating there’s no climbing allowed. I asked a park ranger for clarification and she advised that it is ok to go up to Elephant Rock, but NOT to actually climb on it, as it could cause irreversible damage.
As stated above, there are several paths leading towards the formation, but the one I took (and appeared to be the easiest) was the one located just to the right of the sign pictured above.
It’s a quick jaunt to the top of Elephant Rock. Once you’re up there, you will have views of the mountains and valley in the distance.
Seeing Elephant Rock from this angle made the “Elephant” formation appear more clearly to me. So if you’re having a difficult time picturing it from below, try it from up here.
When you’re done, simply head back the same way you came in on the trail. Please do not walk along the road as park rangers will cite you if you’re caught.
From here, I recommend making your way to one of the most historic locations in the park, Atlatl Rock. You can read my post about it here.
Enjoy Relative Seclusion at Hidden Beach Near Incline Village
Welcome to our ultimate guide on exploring a hidden treasure on Lake Tahoe's eastern shore - Hidden Beach…
2 minute read | may contain affiliate links
Welcome to our ultimate guide on exploring a hidden treasure on Lake Tahoe's eastern shore - Hidden Beach!
Nestled amidst the captivating beauty of the Sierra Nevada mountains, this secluded gem offers an enchanting escape for nature enthusiasts and beach-goers alike.
In this article, we'll take you on a virtual journey to this picturesque oasis, unveiling its breathtaking views, turquoise waters and the myriad of experiences it has to offer.
Get ready to embark on an unforgettable lakeside adventure that will leave you in awe. Let's dive in and discover the hidden paradise of Hidden Beach.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting us!
Getting To and Parking For Hidden Beach
Hidden Beach doesn’t get nearly as crowded as those nearby, like Sand Harbor and Crystal Bay. A big reason for that is you can’t drive up to it.
To access it, you’ll need to park at the Tunnel Creek or Bullwheel lots at the north end of highway 28 near the Tunnel Creek Cafe.
Parking fees are associated with these lots and are hourly (the rates for 2023 are pictured above). If the lots are full, you can get there with the East Shore Express Shuttle.
To reach Hidden Beach, you’ll need to hike for about a mile on the Tahoe East Shore Trail.
The trail is paved and the grade never exceeds 8%, making it easy to push a stroller or pull a wagon (to haul all of your lake day essentials with).
At first, the trail runs along the opposite side of the highway, but will eventually take you to the shore side via a tunnel.
Beautiful murals, each depicting different perspectives of Lake Tahoe, adorn the walls and ceiling of the tunnel.
When you get to the opposite end of the tunnel, you’ll want to bear left to get to Hidden Beach. Shortly thereafter, you’ll see the shore access sign on your right.
Hidden Beach
Hidden Beach is reached via the shoreline access trail (pictured above). The trail is short, taking less than a minute to reach the sand.
The beach is roughly 750 feet long and features rocky alcoves and an abundance of granite boulders dotting the shore.
As stated above, Hidden Beach doesn’t get all that crowded. People mostly pop-in and pop-out while hiking the Tahoe East Shore Trail.
Hidden Beach may not be as popular or even as scenic as nearly Sand Harbor, but the relative seclusion you’ll enjoy more than makes up for it.
If you have an inflatable SUP (paddle board) or kayak, you’re allowed to use them here. You can also bring your dogs as long as they’re leashed.
I hope you’ll consider spending a beach day at Hidden Beach. It’s one of the most tranquil Lake Tahoe beaches I’ve ever been to and I have no doubt you'd enjoy it too.
If you’re interested, check out a few more of my posts about nearby attractions:
Also, if you’re considering a trip to Lake Tahoe (or any lake/beach for that matter) consider reading my list of 25 lake day essentials:
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7 Things You Will Love About Reno: Family Friendly Things To Do
Reno was long known as a miniature version of Las Vegas, but it hasn’t always had the greatest reputation. The downtown…
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Reno was long known as a miniature version of Las Vegas, but it hasn’t always had the greatest reputation. The downtown area, specifically, was associated with seedy hotels, rampant crime and homelessness.
While some of those elements still exist, there’s been a solid effort in recent years to spruce up the area and make it more appealing (and safe) to visitors.
Additionally, city officials have been making moves to market the city as a place for families and adventurers, not just those who like to partake in the casino lifestyle.
That topic is what this post will focus on. Nothing listed here has anything to do with gambling or bars. They’re all 100% family friendly.
So if you’re contemplating a vacation to Reno but you’re not sure what activities there are to do with you’re family, read on.
*NOTE: This is the newest installment of our “7 Things” series. At the end of the post, we’ve listed the other ones currently live on the website. Be sure to check them out!
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1) Proximity to Lake Tahoe
One of Reno’s biggest claims to its, “outdoor recreation haven” banner, is its proximity to Big Blue herself; Lake Tahoe. In fact, the downtown area is just about an hour’s drive from South Lake.
It’s also the closest city with a major airport to Tahoe so if that’s where you’re ultimately ending up, Reno is likely where you’ll be flying into.
Getting to Tahoe’s most beautiful state park, Emerald Bay, is a simple 1.5-hour drive from your downtown hotel. If you’ve never been to Emerald Bay, you need to add it to your list, pronto.
READ: “Emerald Bay State Park Guide: Hiking, Camping, Vikingsholm, Kayaking and More”
2) Hunter Creek Waterfall Trail
You won’t need to travel to Tahoe in order to partake a blissful stroll through nature. There are many hiking trails in Reno with a wide variety of difficulties and features.
Of all the said trails in Reno, the Hunter Creek Falls trail is probably the best known to locals and visitors alike.
The trail is 6.5 miles, roundtrip, and is considered moderate. It terminates at the beautiful, 30-foot Hunter Creek Falls.
While it’s rocky, narrow and fairly lengthy, if you and your family have experience hiking, you shouldn’t have any trouble. It’s dog friendly as well.
READ: “Hunter Creek Falls: An Epic Hike Just Outside Of Reno”
3) Local Restaurants
Reno is filled to the brim with dozens of great, non-chain local eateries offering a wide range of cuisine for all kinds of palates.
A few examples of Reno’s fine dining options include; Bricks Restaurant & Wine Bar, Atlantis Steakhouse, Sierra Street Kitchen & Cocktails and Marolina’s Italia Restaurant.
A few examples of mid-range sit-down restaurants include, Arario Midtown, Wild River Grille, Washoe Public House, Great Full Gardens and Old Granite Street Eatery.
You’ll find great eateries all over the city but some of the best ones are found in either Midtown or Sierra Street (in downtown).
4) The Basement
The Basement is a literal hidden gem in the heart of downtown. It’s located in the - you guessed it - basement of the historic 1932 Post Office. The space has been repurposed into a marketplace of local businesses.
The Basement consists of several small businesses, each of which are 100% local. These include handcraft shops, a male-inspired nail salon, barbershop, coffee shop, restaurants, a shared space with seating and more.
The street level space (where the actual post office was) is now in the process of also being repurposed into a merchant space. Be sure to stop by and find out for yourself why it’s so beloved by locals.
5) The Truckee River Walk
Stretching from the western edge of Idewild Park into the lovely Wingfield Park in downtown, Reno’s River Walk celebrates Reno’s reputation of culture, arts and heritage.
The space between Virginia Street and Wingfield Park, in particular, is teething with picturesque scenery, local restaurants and shops.
Just up the street from the river walk is the infamous Reno Arch. In City Plaza, you’ll find numerous permanent and temporary art installations used at the Burning Man festival on display. Plus, just beyond the Virginia Street bridge, you’ll find the street level entrance to The Basement.
No visit to Reno would be complete without a stroll along the river walk. It’s easily in the top three of things to do and see in Reno. Best of all - there’s no admission fee.
6) Art Murals
Arts and culture have a big presence in Reno. One of the things that city officials have done right is give local artists a chance to showcase their skills via wall murals.
They’re literally all over the city, but the majority (and best) are in downtown and midtown. A notable one to mention is the giant women mural on the side of the parking garage next to the arch.
7) The National Automobile Museum
The National Automobile Museum opened in 1989 and features a massive collection of classic cars, most of which once owned by local gaming pioneer, Bill Harrah.
At the time of his death in 1978, Harrah’s collection reached a staggering 1,400 cars! Holiday Inns purchased Harrah’s Casino and car collection in 1980.
Before selling off the majority of the collection, Holiday Inns donated 175 of those cars to what is now the museum. They’ve been on display, with additional rotating exhibits, ever since.
The sheer volume of cars in this collection is enough to impress those who’re not “car people”. If nothing else, it’s a great way to spend a few hours inside if the weather isn’t ideal.
READ: “National Automobile Museum: A Huge Classic Car Collection In Reno”
Your Thoughts…
What’re your thoughts on Reno for a family vacation? Did you know it’s no longer just about the casinos and bars? Which topic on this list interests you most? Let us know in the comments below! We love hearing from our readers.
*Tip: As stated at the top of this post, below are the links to our other “7 Things” posts that might interest you. Additionally, i’ve included a couple more Reno based posts.
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Thank you for reading.
Cave Rock Trail: A Short Hike To An Epic View Of Lake Tahoe
Located on the Nevada side of the lake, the Cave Rock trail may seem uneventful at first, but the mind-blowing view…
3 minute read | contains affiliate links
Located on the Nevada side of the lake, the Cave Rock trail may seem uneventful at first, but the mind-blowing view at the end will prove that assumption wrong.
This trail is great for hikers, families and everyone in between. If you happen to be driving through on a trip, it’s an excellent way to stretch your legs for an hour or so.
Note that this post is about the actual trail to the top of Cave Rock and not the state park on the other side of the highway. Those are two different things.
In this post, we’ll cover topics such as parking, how to find the trailhead, what to expect along the trail and more. Let’s get into it!
Here’s some great hiking products we recommend…
Quick Stats
Location: Stateline, NV (Tahoe)
Fee: None
Permit: None
Open: Year round
For: Everyone
Restroom: None
Parking: Tiny lot with enough room for 4-5 vehicles
EV Stations: None
Difficulty: Easy (though there’s some scrambling involved)
Popularity: Medium to high
Mileage: Less than a mile, roundtrip
Time: One hour
Elevation Gain: 137-feet
Condition: Maintained (not signed)
Features: Cave Rock & view of Lake Tahoe
Pets: Allowed on leash
Drones*: Allowed on the trail and Cave Rock itself (not within the state park boundaries, though)
Hazards: You’ll need to scramble up Cave Rock to get to the top. It’s nothing too difficult, though.
Our Visit(s): 2016 & 2022
*We refer to the app, “B4UFLY”, to help determine if we’re legally allowed to launch our drone from a particular location. We suggest you do the same to ensure you’re flying responsibly.
Cave Rock Trailhead & Parking
When looking for the parking lot and trailhead for the Cave Rock trail, many people mistakingly go to Cave Rock State Park along the shore of the lake.
Unfortunately, there is no access to the trail from there. That area is for swimming, kayaking and other types of recreating.
For the trail to the top of Cave Rock, you’ll need to drive up Cave Rock road, just off the highway. You’ll see a, “Cave Rock Estates”, sign indicating the correct road.
About a quarter-of-a-mile up the road (as it elbows), you’ll see a tiny, pull-out style lot on the left side of the road. This is the parking lot for the trail (pictured above).
As you can see, there isn’t a whole lot of room. It’s a stretch to even call it a parking lot. There’s room for maybe four or five vehicles.
On top of that, there’s no parking allowed along the street (you could get towed). If there’s no space, you may have to circle around a couple times.
Due to this, we recommend getting here early. We arrived at around 8am and there was just one other couple at the rock.
Cave Rock Trail
The trail is a well maintained, compacted dirt path that’s less than a mile, out and back. You will be walking at an incline but it’s barely noticeable.
Along the way, you’ll be treated to periodic views of Cave Rock and the lake itself. There’s a few spots to get creative with your camera by using the trees to frame the rock.
As you get further up the trail, you’ll see a large set of boulders on the right side of the trail (pictured below).
Shortly after these boulders, you’ll come to an unsigned junction. Keep left (in the direction of Cave Rock) to remain on the trail.
Almost immediately after bearing left, the base of Cave Rock will come into view.
If you or someone in your group isn’t up for scrambling up the rock, you can get a similar view as the one up top.
For an even better view, though, you’ll want to get to the top. To begin, make your way around the rock-wall to begin your climb.
Scrambling Up Cave Rock
There’s no actual trail or path to the top. Take a minute to scan the boulders around you, use common sense and scramble your way up.
If we had to rate it, we’d both say it’s an easy, beginner level scramble. Or the lower end of moderate, at worst. It only took us about five minutes.
The views from the top are simply jaw-dropping, no matter which direction you look. Being up here for sunrise or sunset would be even more amazing.
There isn’t a lot of room up here. So if you’re here on a particular busy day, expect it to be a bit cramped. In our experiences, though, its never been an issue.
When you’re done taking in the views, safely scramble back down the rock and head back to your car. If you’re up for more adventures, see our posts below for a few other Lake Tahoe hikes.
“Hike To Eagle Falls and Eagle Lake In Lake Tahoe”
“Hiking To Cascade Falls Near Emerald Bay”
“How To Kayak To Fannette Island Tea House In Emerald Bay”
Your Thoughts…
Does this sound like a trail you and your family would enjoy doing? Have you been to the top of Cave Rock? Let us know in the comments below. We love hearing from our readers!
Please support our website by sharing it with your family and friends.
Thank you for reading.
Hunter Creek Falls: An Epic Hike Just Outside Of Reno
Up until fairly recently, people would generally associate Reno solely with gambling, bars, and being the (much) smaller sibling…
5 minute read | Contains affiliate links
Until fairly recently, people would generally associate Reno solely with gambling, bars, and being the (much) smaller sibling to Las Vegas.
In recent years though, Reno has been earning a reputation for being more than that. You may not realize it, but Reno is an outdoor recreational haven.
Activities like skiing, hiking, white water rafting, and camping can all be done in Reno. This article, however, will focus on Reno’s most popular hiking trail; Hunter Creek Falls.
This trail is spectacular! It parallels Hunter Creek the entire way through rocky terrain, before taking you through crisp-smelling pine trees and terminating at the namesake thirty-foot waterfall.
Despite living near Reno, I’ve only just recently hiked this gem. If you haven't, there’s a few things you should know before hitting the trail. Let’s get into it!
Quick Stats
Location: Reno, Nevada
Fees/Permit: None
Open: April through October
For: Hikers, Mountain Bikers, & Equestrians
Parking: Large, paved lot.
Restroom: At the trailhead
EV Stations: None
Drone Use: No signage stating you can't
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: Three to four hours for most
Mileage: 6.4 miles, RT
Popularity: Heavily trafficked
Elevation Gain: 1,023 ft
Trail Condition: Maintained and easy to follow
Main Feature(s): 30-foot waterfall
Campground: None nearby
Pets: Allowed on leash
Special Notes/Hazards: 1) Sun exposed throughout the majority of the trail. Bring lots of water and sunscreen. 2) Several heavily rocky sections that pets and small children may have a hard time navigating without assistance. 3) A good portion of the trail is narrow along a steep ravine.
Our Visit: June 2022
*Please practice leave no trace principles and keep to the trail*
Trailhead and Parking
Getting to the trailhead for this spectacular hike is easy and straight-forward. It’s just 20-minutes from the downtown area and midtown at the end of a beautiful housing development called, “Jupiter Ridge”.
*Tip: Simply punch “Hunter Creek Falls trailhead” into any GPS system for easy directions
You’ll arrive at a well maintained parking lot large enough to hold a few dozen vehicles. GPS directions will try to take you to a dirt pull-out but this isn’t it. Go a little further up the road and take the first right out of the roundabout. The lot will be right there.
In it, you’ll find trail/area information signage, a picnic table, trash cans, and a well-kept restroom. If you must, utilize before you head down the trail as there are no other restrooms beyond this point.
The Trail
Facing the restroom, you’ll find the start of the trail on your left (pictured above). On it, you’ll descend a short distance to Hunter Creek before coming up on a wooden bridge.
Note: If you’re an Equestrian, there’s signage asking you to cross through the creek (there’s an opening to the right) instead of crossing the bridge.
After crossing the bridge, you’ll see a split. To continue to Hunter Creek Falls, go left. You’ll be hiking parallel to the creek along this short stretch.
There are many spur trails leading you to the waterline. Throughout the entirety of the trail the creek is covered by trees, providing a plethora of shade.
Soon, you’ll begin to ascend above the creek and tree line. Here, the trail narrows, gets rockier, and is completely sun exposed. It maintains all three of these elements (for the most part) until you get closer to the waterfall.
At the top of your first ascent, look to your left for a rocky ledge and take in the view ahead. You’ll get a glimpse of Downtown Reno in the distance.
From this point, the trail gets VERY rocky. There’s more than a few sections of trail that are nothing but loose rock (pictured below). This is where pets and kids may have a hard time navigating.
On the plus side, here is where the scenery around the trail moves into a proper wilderness setting as you put the view of Reno behind you.
If you’re here at the right time in the season you’ll see lots of flora and fauna, along with pine trees and mountains that still have snow on them.
As stated at the beginning of this post, the trail is very narrow. If you’re hiking in a group, you’ll need to hike single file throughout the majority of it.
On the way up and back, there were a few instances where finding a safe spot to stand as another hiker passed was quite the challenge.
It’s not impossible or inherently dangerous by any means, but it’s something to be mindful of. How hikers get around Equestrians on this trail is beyond me.
Pictured above, you’ll see the beginning of the most intense part of the trail. Up until now, it has ascended fairly evenly. Here, it’s a semi-sharp ascent. This is about two miles into the hike.
Personally, I wouldn’t rate it as difficult. It will, however, take the breath out of most people (it did to me). Take your time, catch your breath when needed, and you’ll get up there just fine.
Hunter Creek Falls
You’ll know you’re getting closer to the waterfall when you enter a thick section of pine trees and re-align with Hunter Creek. There are two final spots on this trail I felt should be pointed out as it isn’t entirely clear which direction to go.
Every other blog post or review I read of this trail stated it was well-signed. This is emphatically false. Past the bridge at the beginning, I didn’t see a single sign. So I’ll do my best to help you avoid going in the wrong/least convenient direction.
The first one you’ll come to (pictured above) seemingly continues forward. When you come up on this, those two boulders in the picture will be on your right. Straight ahead, you’ll both see and hear the creek.
DO NOT continue straight. Instead, turn right, in between the boulders. The one going straight isn’t the official trail. After turning right, the trail becomes obvious again.
*Tip: Essentially, if you come right up on the creek, you went too far.
The second one (pictured above) presents itself about a quarter-mile after the right turn you made. Here, you have two options:
Option #1: Continue straight and arrive at the waterfall shortly. However, on this side of the falls, there’s nowhere to sit, you won’t have a good view and you’ll need to cross a log to get to the other side.
Option #2: Go left and cross the creek via the make-shift bridge made from sketchy tree branches people randomly found. Shortly after making it to the other side, you’ll arrive at the falls in an area with a plethora of seating, shade, and space.
I recommend taking the second option. Worst case, you could cut straight through the creek. I estimate this part of the creek was about half shin deep when I hiked it (early June).
*Note: There used to be a solid bridge here for people to cross but it was destroyed a few years ago by heavy water flow and debris.
Regardless of which direction you take, you’ll soon arrive at the beautiful Hunter Creek Falls. If you take my recommendation and go left, you’ll come to a large area with lots of seating and shade.
When I was here, there was a tree branch that collapsed and was partially blocking the view of the first section of the waterfall. Still an awesome view, regardless.
Stay as long as you like. Get all the pictures you can. When you’re ready, simply turn around and head back in the same direction you came.
Have you hiked Hunter Creek Falls before? If so, did you find the trail pretty easy or more towards the moderate/difficult side? If not, do you have plans to hike it now or have any further questions? Shoot us a note in the comment section below!
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