Showing posts with label full sun hikes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label full sun hikes. Show all posts

Saturday, November 7, 2020

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



Arrowcreek Park is situated at a slightly higher elevation and is surrounded by beautiful views of mountains.  This park may not be big, but for its size, it really packs a punch, with great play structures a short and scenic loop (with options for branching off to more trails), and a nice park feel.   

Being tucked away and so close to a gated community, the park is not well known by others outside of the area and makes for an great option for those who are looking for a park with low crowd levels.

The park is more on the modern side, with unique play structures suited for all age levels.  There is a big and small structure, some bouncy seats, a climbing structure, a merry-go-round and a couple of features for imaginary play.

At the top of the grassy area, you will witness gorgeous views of aspens lining Lower Thomas Creek and a little patch of the GSR area of the city.  

The grassy area is hilly and has a little dirt trail surrounding it.  It's a welcome change from the usual flat grassy areas at parks and can be highly enjoyable for picnics with great views of the mountains and the playground below should you want to keep an eye on your children.

Arrowcreek park is well kept and charming.  Try visiting the park during fall to see the beautiful changing colors of the trees, in spring when wildflowers are in bloom, and in winter when the sun is pleasant. 

When time is limited, instead of hiking the whole Lower Thomas Creek trail, my family hikes up until we see two large round containers (hard to miss) and turn left, on the flat dirt road back to the park.  After 5 minutes or so, turn left toward park when you see the pavilion.

The trail is soothing, with sounds from the creek that runs parallel to the trail and breathtaking with snow-capped mountains that surround the area in winter and changing leaves in the fall.  It's a short and sweet trail that we come back to often.  

Click to Enlarge.  Short 15-25 minutes Lower Thomas Creek loop.  Start at Arrowcreek Park and follow dotted line to two white circles on map then turn left onto dirt road back to park. Pictures from trail below in early spring 2021. 


You can gain access to the Lower Thomas Creek Trail, a 4.7-mile out-and-back trail found toward the side with views of the GSR (look for sign) and is best used from March until October (snow accumulation in the winter can make walking difficult).

Lower Thomas Creek Out and Back Trail
Notes:
-11 acres
-I always check accuweather for hourly weather- (temperature, wind, sun intensity, & percipitation) before every trip so that I can plan accordingly
-In early spring, trail can be covered in snow and make for some slippery parts.  In late spring, snowmelt can make trail muddy. 
-Shade found only at pavilion
-no restrooms
-BBQ Pavilion available. Non-reservable.
-small dirt trail around grass area
-a few picnic tables and benches spread throughout park
-great views of mountains
-great for photography, esp. in fall and in spring (wildflowers)
-Download the app AllTrails to access more information, reviews, pictures, & directions for Lower Thomas Creek Trail.  You can track yourself on their trail maps, taking the risk of getting lost out of the picture. Trail access is at top of grassy area. Look for sign.
-horseback riding, equestrian parking
-I like to bring my portable travel potty and liners everywhere I go, esp. to parks that don't have restrooms.  The kids can play without having to worry about leaving to find a toilet.
-Visit early mornings or at sunset time during hot summers

Reccomended Gear
-Sunscreen (after trying so many options, this is my family's favorite)
-Water Bottle (definitely a must in Reno's dry climate)
-Portable potty Liners (priceless gadget that makes any hike with kids a breeze)

*As an Amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Pictures below taken during fall 2020


Sunday, November 24, 2019

Get your Play on and Take a Short and Scenic Hike at Huffaker Park




South Reno
1160 E Huffaker Ln, Reno, NV 89511


Huffaker park is a park that has it all.  I was so glad when I found this sweet park nicely tucked away in a nice neighborhood.  My kids enjoy the structures/running on the grass and the trail is the perfect distance for my family and I to get the right amount of exercise. Plenty of street parking is available and the trail is completely exposed, so don't forget to protect yourself against the elements. I plan on throwing a party here in the future and know that it will not disappoint.

What you will find:
-a short and sweet looped trail (1.4 miles) with a bit of a challenging upward slope at the beginning (once you start feeling a little burn, it will be over and you will be rewarded with nice views of Reno). From there on out, the trail is easy and enjoyable
-a gazebo at the top of the hill
-basketball court
-two playgrounds with big trees nearby
-a huge covered pavilion right next to one of the play structures and a BBQ grill
-restrooms
-baseball field
-tennis court
-exercise area with lots of bars
-wide open areas of grass ideal for sports and running around with your dog
-water fountain and restroom
-amphitheater at the top of the trail
-beautiful tall trees around the park area (lots of shade)
-path ideal for jogging and mountain biking
-a small creek that runs through the park
-a few interpretive signs about nature
-flowers in spring
-lots of people walking their dogs
-dirt/rocky path on the trail
-benches laid out around the trail and park. You can have a picnic up on the mountain.
-view of mt. Rose

Reccomended Gear
-Sunscreen (after trying so many options, this is my family's favorite)
-Water Bottle (definitely a must in Reno's dry climate + earth friendly)
-Portable potty Liners (priceless gadget that makes any hike with kids a breeze)

*As an Amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.