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

Wilbur D. May Museum website

Volunteer Opportunities

Facebook Page for latest updates

Museum Event Space Rental Information

Garden Wedding Rentals

Pavilion Rental Information

Hall of Heroes pictures traveling 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, multi-purpose fields (including off-leash dog areas), hiking trails, Herman’s Fish Pond, reservable pavilions, and hosts special events like the Great Reno Balloon Races and the Dragon Lights Festival.

In the park, you can find Wilbur D. May Museum, a pretty neat part of Reno, with it's neat gift shop and permanent collection, and traveling exhibits.  The museum 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 Hall of Heroes, Dragons, and old-fashioned video game-themed traveling exhibits are only a few of the many you can find here, some recurring and some only passing through.

The Arboretum (right next to the museum) is tranquil and beautiful, with lots of labeled trees and plants.  Paved trails and shade in the Arboretum area provide 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 it's tranquil atmosphere. 

In the same area, you can travel back in time with the kids and play at the Dinosaur playground with huge dinosaur swings and a slide (next to the restroom area).  Big trees shade the area and make this playground among the top playgrounds on my list.  Also available is a wood playground close by next to the pond and one next to the large open grass field next to the second parking lot, further away from the park entrance on North Sierra Street.

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

I always encounter people from all walks of life here- 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 seasonal flower gardens  

-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)

Directions

AllTrails

Yelp

When I think about why I love living in Reno, Mt. Rose Summit Trail is definitely near the top of the list. This 11.8-mile loop trail offers stunning views and fun for every skill level.

With little effort and a fairly flat path (aside from the beginning), you’ll wind through the woods and reach beautiful Galena Falls in just about 2.5 miles. The view of the meadow is a bonus. Because it takes only a small amount of effort to get to this gorgeous waterfall, this part of the hike tends to get busy.

I’ve only made it to the falls, but from what I’ve read in other reviews, the hike becomes more challenging from there, with the last 1.5 miles being the toughest. Still, many find the hike rewarding, thanks to the breathtaking views of the Lake Tahoe Basin, Washoe Valley, and Reno.

Trail Overview

Best used: May–October  

Distance: 11.8-mile loop  

Duration: 4.5–6 hours round trip  

Elevation: 10,778 ft. Be mindful of altitude sickness, especially above 8,000 feet. 

Trail Conditions

Shade: Lots of shade is found at the beginning throughout the journey to the waterfall

Terrain: The trail starts fairly flat (except for the beginning), but the last 1.5 miles are suppose to be more challenging.  

Restrooms: Located at trailhead parking lot. Open seasonally.

Recommendations

Wind Protection: The summit is always windy; bring a windbreaker, no matter the season.  

Sun Protection: Don’t forget sunblock. The higher you are, the more intense the sun is. 

Hydration & Snacks: Bring plenty of water and snacks—there are picnic opportunities throughout the hike.  

Walking Aids: Many hikers find walking poles helpful for the rocky sections and the ascent.

Seasonal Tips

Crowds: To beat the crowds, go on a weekday or early on weekends during summer. Parking lots fill up fast.  

Winter Activities: In winter, people love to sled and play in the snow near the parking lot; the slopes are great.  

Wildlife Viewing: In mid to late August, you might catch the amazing Monarch Butterfly migration.  

Fall Beauty: The trail is beautiful in the fall and vibrant in spring and summer, with lots of wildlife and wildflowers.

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’ll see the parking lot). The Tahoe Meadows South Trailhead is just a minute away and offers more hiking options.

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 should use an app to help keep them on track, even without reception.

If you want to see an amazing video that does this trail justice, check out this video made by Supai Adventures.  You can even run into butterflies!!!

Right Next to Mt. Rose Summit Trailhead Parking Lot

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 nestled at a slightly higher elevation, offering stunning mountain views that make it a hidden gem. While it may not be the largest park, it truly delivers with fantastic play structures, a short scenic loop, and a delightful park vibe.

Arrowcreek Park isn’t widely known, making it a fantastic choice for those seeking a quieter spot. 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.  The hilly terrain adds a fun twist compared to the usual flat grassy spaces, making it perfect for keeping an eye on the kids as they play below.

Arrowcreek Park is beautifully maintained, making it a great spot to visit year-round. I recommend checking it out in the fall for breathtaking foliage, in spring when the wildflowers bloom, or in winter when the sun shines pleasantly on the snow-capped mountains.

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 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 and can head back to the park.

The trail is soothing, with the sound of the creek running alongside it, and it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains in winter and vibrant fall leaves. It’s a short yet sweet trail that we love returning to time and 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, Lower Thomas Creek Trail - 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 the bush.

-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.

Categorized under "Parks and Playgrounds" and "Family Friendly Hikes"

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

Photography

© Katherine Fung

All rights reserved.