Hidden Gem Alert-Crystal Peak Park, Verdi.

561 Crystal Park Road, Verdi, NV 89439

Directions

Park Ranger Office: (775) 828-6612
Website 
Crystal Peak Park Trail Map

One thing I love most about living in Reno is its proximity to endless beauty.  Crystal Peak Park is no exception.  Only ten miles from Reno, you will find a beautiful park surrounded by mountains and the Truckee River.  

What's to Love About This Park

*Large shade trees

*beautiful scenic 0.5 mile nature trail loop and the Truckee river alongside, 

*2 fishing ponds (permit required, stocked with Lahontan Cutthroat Trout)

*plenty of boulders and a bridge to climb

*Grassy picnic areas (including BBQ)

*restroom

*interpretive signs

*plenty of trails for hikers and cyclists nearby

Notes
-There is a paved parking lot with roads that lead down to the beginning of the trail.

-group areas are non-reservable

If you'd like to get a glimpse of Crystal Peak Park's beauty and learn a little history, check out this video, made by Outdoor Nevada.  

At Crystal Peak Park, you can step back into history and learn about Verdi Glen Resort (1923–1938), a place that served as a commuter stop, and discover remnants of an old saw mill, Verdi Lumber Company, which in 1860 Crystal Peak was home to.  Lumber from this mill was used to build Virginia City and railroad tracks.

The park was named after the peak right behind Crystal Peak Park, where you can have some fun looking around for quartz deposits (shovel recommended for enthusiasts).  

The peak is about 11 miles up a one-way dirt road (small patches of land to pull over provided).  

I tried to go up the path with my mini van with no success.  At the beginning of the last three miles, I was met with an uneven dirt road with lots of depressions that looked too deep to clear with my front bumper.  I immediately understood the need for an off-roading vehicle or SUV (which I saw plenty of on my way up).  Nevertheless, the view on the way up was highly enjoyable.  I felt like I was a hobbit on an adventure.  

On the way up, I noticed some trailheads and interpretive signs to the left, which you can explore.  If you were to make it all the way up to the peak, you will be rewarded with stunning views (as reviewed by Outdoor Nevada).

Recommended 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)

-hiking backpack (great for kids, storage, nap-friendly, shade)

-carrier (more affordable, light weight, shade, storage for keys)

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Categorized under "Family Friendly Hikes, Picnic Spots, Parks and Playgrounds"

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

South Reno
1160 E Huffaker Ln, Reno, NV 89511

Directions

Reviews on Yelp

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.

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