Rancho San Rafael Regional Park in Reno, NV - Wilbur D. May Museum, Arboretum, Botanical Garden, & More

Wilbur D. May Center

1595 N Sierra Street

Reno, NV 89503

Helpful Links

Museum Instagram | May Arboretum Society

Wilbur D. May Museum Website

Volunteer Opportunities

Museum Facebook

Museum Event Space Rental Information

Garden Wedding Rentals

Pavilion Rental Information

Hall of Heroes Exhibit

Wilbur D. May Arboretum Brochure 

Rancho San Rafael Regional Park is Reno’s largest and most dynamic park. It’s home to the Wilbur D. May Museum, the Wilbur D. May Arboretum, the largest off-leash dog park, hiking trails, Herman’s Fish Pond, beautiful event pavilions, and host to some of the most popular annual events, including The Great Reno Balloon Races and The Dragon Lights Festival.

At Wilbur D. May Museum, you can find a neat gift shop, Wilbur May's permanent collection, and fun themed traveling exhibits in winter that usually open around January. The Hall of Heroes, Dragons, Toytopia, and retro video game themed exhibits are some I have enjoyed in the past. The permanent collection preserves the life of Wilbur D. May, a world traveler who collected thousands of artifacts throughout the span of his life and brought them back to his home here in Reno. Though small, the museum is packed with so much to see.

The Arboretum (right next to the museum) is tranquil and beautiful.  It features over 4,600 native and adaptive plant species, 1,700 trees, a Labyrinth Garden, waterfalls, and Evans Creek. It also offers educational programs, a bird watching spot with 55 species, and a redwood bridge. with lots of labeled trees and plants. 

Paved trails and shade from trees in the Arboretum area provide fun & relief from the blazing hot summer sun, allowing for families to enjoy the outdoors for extended amounts of time. There are many beautiful gazebos in the arboretum area and a beautiful mini waterfall that contribute to its tranquil atmosphere.

In the same area, you can travel back in time with the kids and play at the Dinosaur themed playground that features some swings, a slide, and a wall perfect for climbing. Other playgrounds available at Rancho San Rafaeal Regional Park - a playground made out of wood next to the pond & a more substantial and modern one next to the main street on North Sierra Street (just drive down the main road after entering the park and you'll spot it from the street). Because of the shade available, along with seating, restrooms, and so many other attractions nearby, these playground rank among the highest on my list of all playgrounds in Reno.

The park's wide open spaces, amenities, and attractions make this park ideal for large and small gatherings, events, outdoor sports, and more.

I always encounter people from all walks of life here, including joggers, hikers, nature lovers, dog walkers, couples, families, and it's no wonder why. It has everything one would look for in a park and more.

Notes

-Stroller and wheelchair friendly  

-Museum features wildlife displays, African primitive art, Ta'an Dynasty pottery, Egyptian artifacts, and European silver  

-Indoor garden includes a centerpiece waterfall, a koi fish pond, and a seasonal flower garden

-Available for weddings and parties  

-Call the park to reserve outdoor pavilions for events  

-25-acre off-leash dog park (bring a towel on wet days for muddy paws)  

-Rose garden located in the Arboretum  

-Large grassy areas are perfect for kite flying  

-Larger children's playground near the grassy field, another playground next to Herman's Pond, and a dinosaur playground by the museum parking lot  

-Gazebo available for gatherings  

-Exercise course around the grassy area  

-Home to a variety of wildlife  

-No dogs allowed in the Arboretum  

-Shade is mostly found in the Arboretum area  

-Ideal for photo shoots  

-Great for picnicking, with tables and BBQs located next to the playground and the open grassy field.

Categorized under Parks and Playgrounds, Family Friendly Hiking and Picnic Spots

*Information subject to change.  All opinions are my own.*

Photography

©Katherine Fung,

All rights reserved.

Take a Short and Scenic Hike to a Stunning Waterfall on Mt. Rose Summit Trail

24705 Mt Rose Hwy 

Reno, NV 89511

(about 30 mins. from Reno)

Trail map to Galena Falls from Mt. Rose Summit Trailhead on Komoot. 

Trail Overview

Best used: May through October

Elevation Gain: 323 ft. 

Distance: 2.5 miles

Duration: 1 hrs. 24 mins.

Start Elevation: 9,000 ft.

Friends, it’s absolutely crazy how much beauty you can find right here in our region. If you’re a lover of the outdoors, chances are you’ll fall in love with Reno because it serves as the perfect gateway to adventure. With endless forests to explore, iconic Lake Tahoe just around the corner, and countless natural wonders nearby, it’s easy to see why this area inspires so much awe and appreciation for nature.

A little ways up Mt. Rose Highway is the Mt. Rose Summit Trail, which is easy to get to, easy to navigate, and comes with a beautiful waterfall only 2.5 miles into the trail.  I've heard many great things about the full 11.8 mile loop to the summit, but many visit soley to see the waterfall.  Based on what I’ve read from other hikers, the trail becomes more challenging beyond the waterfall, with the final 1.5 miles to the summit being the toughest climb. Even so, many hikers say the extra effort is well worth it for the incredible views overlooking the Lake Tahoe Basin, Washoe Valley, and Reno.

Aside from a short climb at the beginning of Mt. Rose Summit Trail, you’ll wind through the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest forest and reach the beautiful Galena Falls. The surrounding meadow next to the falls adds an extra touch of beauty that makes this area feel even more magical. Because the waterfall is so rewarding for the amount of effort it takes to reach, this section can get busy. 

As you make your way up the mountain and begin to witness the beauty that surrounds, take a moment to fill your lungs with that glorious alpine air and your heart with a little awe and appreciation for the existence of the great outdoors.  

NOTES
-The beginning of the trail offers plenty of shade as you make your way toward Galena Falls. The path is mostly flat aside from the initial climb.

-Restrooms are available seasonally at the trailhead parking lot.
-If traveling to the summit, pack a windbreaker no matter the season. 

-Higher elevations mean stronger sun exposure, sun protection, plenty of water, and snacks are highly recommended. 

-Hiking poles can be helpful for the rockier sections and steeper climbs to the summit.
-Summer weekends can get crowded, so arrive early or visit on a weekday for easier parking. During winter, the area near the parking lot becomes a popular spot for snow play and sledding. In late summer, you may even catch the beautiful Monarch butterfly migration. Catch colors in the fall and wildflowers in the spring/summer.

-Winter Hiking: Snowshoeing and cross country skiing are popular activities here in the winter.  Proper gear is essential. Be sure to check the weather in advance and dress appropriately. Serious winter hikers like to use an app to help keep them on track, especially when it allows them access to trail info. even without reception.

Nearby 

*Tahoe Meadows: If you’re looking for a lovely flat hike nearby, check out the Tahoe Meadows Interpretive Loop trail just down the road to the left (you can't miss the parking lot). The Tahoe Meadows South Trailhead is just a minute away from the lot on the main road.  During summer, the parking lot closer to the trailhead opens up to the public. 

*Ophir Creek Trail - Just drive a little ways down Mt. Rose Highway (less than a min.) to the area with the parked cars to enjoy a beautiful boardwalk that lines the meadow creeks.

Winter Fun Next to Mt. Rose Summit Trailhead Parking Lot

***Information subject to change. All opinions are my own.***

Photography

© Katherine Fung,

All rights reserved.

Categorized under "Family Friendly Hikes" 

Arrowcreek Park- A Small Great Park with Unique Play Structures, Great Views, and Access to Lower Thomas Creek Trail

2950 Arrowcreek Parkway

Reno, NV 89511

Park Ranger Office: (775) 849-2511

Washoe County Parks Facebook

A Complete Directory of all Parks in Reno

Arrowcreek Park is a hidden gem tucked away across the street from Hunsberger Elementary School, sitting at around 5,300 feet in elevation & offers stunning mountain views and a trail system that provides a gateway into the surrounding foothills. While it may not be the largest park in town, it truly delivers with fantastic play structures, a short & scenic hiking loop, and a delightful secluded park vibe.

Arrowcreek Park isn’t widely known, making it a fantastic choice for those seeking a quieter park.  As one of the newer parks in the area, it features modern play equipment suitable for all ages, including both large and small play structures, bouncy seats, a climbing structure, a merry go round, and imaginative play features.

From the grassy area, you can soak in gorgeous views of aspens lining Lower Thomas Creek & even Reno in the distance.  The hilly terrain adds a fun twist compared to the usual flat grassy spaces found at most parks, making it perfect for keeping an eye on the kids as they play below.

Arrowcreek Park is beautifully maintained year round.  I recommend checking it out in the fall for breathtaking foliage, in spring when the wildflowers bloom, or in winter when the surrounding mountains are covered in snow.

If you’re short on time but still want to enjoy the area, my family often hikes a portion of the Lower Thomas Creek trail. We make our way alongside the creek to two large round containers (you can’t miss them) and then take a left on the flat dirt road back to the park. After about five minutes down, you’ll see the pavilion on your left and can find your way back to the park.

The trail is tranquil, with the sound of the creek running alongside it.  It’s a short yet sweet trail that we love returning to time and time again.

Click to Enlarge. The Lower Thomas Creek loop takes about 15-25 minutes. Start at Arrowcreek Park and follow the dotted line to the two white circles on the map, then turn left onto the dirt road back to the park.

Winter at Arrowcreek Park

If you're looking for a longer trek, check out the full Lower Thomas Creek Trail, a 4.7-mile out-and-back trail best used from March until October (snow accumulation in the winter can make hiking difficult).

Lower Thomas Creek Out and Back Trail

Notes

-11 acres

-AccuWeather for hourly weather (temperature, wind, sun intensity, and precipitation) 

- In early spring, the trail can be covered in snow, leading to some slippery spots. In late spring, snowmelt can make the trail muddy.

-No restrooms available at the park

-BBQ & pavilion available on a first come, first served basis

-A few picnic tables and benches are spread throughout the park.

-Enjoy great views of the mountains.

-The park is great for photography, especially in the fall and spring (wildflowers).

-Download the AllTrails app to access more information, reviews, pictures, and directions for Lower Thomas Creek Trail. You can track yourself on their trail maps, reducing the risk of getting lost. Trail access is at the top of the grassy area of the park.  Look for the sign behind a bush.  It's not obvious.

-Horseback riding friendly.  Equestrian parking available.

-I like to bring my portable travel potty and liners everywhere I go, especially to parks without restrooms, so the kids can play without having to leave to find a toilet.

-Visit early in the morning or at sunset during hot summers.

***Information subject to change. All opinion are my own.***

Photography

© Katherine Fung

All rights reserved.

Categorized under Parks and Playgrounds & Family Friendly Hikes