Phillip Annie Callahan Park- A Close Getaway Within Arms Reach

15960 Callahan Road

Reno, NV 89511

Park Ranger Office: 

(775) 849-2511

Website

Galena Creek Tail Map

Phillip Annie Callahan Park is a hidden gem tucked away in an inconspicuous neighborhood you'd only know about if you lived in the vacinity or you were in the area for a hike, in a serene forest next to Mt. Rose Highway. 

One year, I stumbled upon this park on Google while searching for family-friendly places to enjoy during the summer in Reno.  If you know anything about an average Reno summer day, you'll know how it could really get uncomfortably hot.  Having places like Callahan Park are essential to enjoying summers in Reno.  

It's charm, location, and family friendly factor are the reasons it lands itself among my top favorite parks in all of Reno.  Anyone with children & any lover of the outdoors will be thrilled to know of is existence.  Over the years I’ve been visiting, it’s always been a low-key and peaceful retreat, and I'm so happy to share it with you all here on my blog. 

The main reason I think people miss this gem is likely due to the fact that Galena Regional Park is so close by, and its not so obvious location.  If you've been following me for a while, you'll know that Galena Creek Regional Park ranks among one of my all time favorite parks for the views, trails, events, and serenity it has to offer.  Just 5 minuets up the highway from Callahan Park, the park includes a visitor's center, wedding venue, Marilyn's fishing pond, tons of picnic areas, trails for all levels, views, and so much more.  To learn more about this park, visit my post about it HERE.

Now, back to Phillip Annie Callahan Park.  Although it’s on the smaller side, the park is a unique alternative to your average park. It features all the things you love about an ideal park, but with the added bonus of a forest location.  

Enjoy a pavilion, limited paved pathways, two play structures, grassy areas, a nature tail, a handful of picnic tables, and my favorite feature - a beautiful creek that's so nice to listen to and watch the kids splash around in the summer.  

For trail lovers, take the short nature trail loop or venture out 2.5 miles further up toward Mt. Rose Highway on Galena Creek Trail (4.7 mi. loop, not to be confused with Galena Creek Nature Trail in Galena Creek Regional Park) for a longer & more challenging adventure.  You'll be happy to know that both trails follow alongside Galena Creek. 

To access the short loop, head past the end of the paved path into the dirt area and towards the forest. Keep going until you find a bridge. Walk past it and loop back to Callahan Park. The trail ends at the parking lot for the Galena Creek Trail, which is just a short 1-2 minuet walk along the main road from Callahan Park. 

This charming park is a go-to for summer fun, hiking, picnicking, small gatherings, winter snowshoeing adventures and also features beautiful colors in the fall. 

Access Galena Creek Trail from the park. 4.7 mile Out and Back. 774 ft. elevation gain.

History 

Phillip and Annie Callahan Park is a hidden gem honoring the Callahan family who donated 25 acres for its creation. The park’s history ties back to Nevada’s early settlement days during the Comstock Lode boom in nearby Virginia City.

Matthew Callahan arrived from England in 1863 and established a brickyard that supplied materials for several important local structures. As demand for brick declined, the family transitioned into dairy farming in the Galena area, growing a variety of crops and fruit.

His son Phil Callahan later helped establish a school in Galena using materials from their own land. The historic Galena Creek Schoolhouse now part of the park and listed on the National Register of Historic Places once served as the home of Nevada poet Joanne de Longchamps.

Notes

- Enjoy beautiful golden foliage in the fall

& ample shade in the summer

- play structures provide shade during specific times of the day depending on the season

-enjoy wildlife & wildflowers in spring/summer

-Ideal for picnics and photo shoots

-The downward slope pathway next to the parking lot is a favorite spot for kids to ride their plasma cars & bikes

-Horse and dog-friendly, with poop bags available at the parking lot

-Mountain biking paths and horseshoe pits available

-The pavilion includes a BBQ pit and is available on a first come first served basis

-Water fountain and benches available throughout the park

-While there are no restrooms at the park, you can find a porta potty at the Galena Creek Trailhead, just a two minute walk toward Mt. Rose Highway. 

-The gently sloped paved pathway in the park was a hit with my kids when they were learning how to ride their bikes. If they ever felt like they were losing control, they just safely veered into the grassy area. Fun times...

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

Photography

© Katherine Fung,

All rights reserved.

 

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

Brown’s Creek Loop Trail Reno: Hiking Guide, Views & What to Expect

3584-3694 Joy Lake Road

Reno, NV 89511

AllTrails Map

Brown's Creek Snapshot

If you’re looking for a beautiful outdoor escape near Reno, Brown's Creek Trail is the place to be. This scenic hike features stunning views, vibrant wildflowers, diverse terrain, and the soothing sounds of the creek. It’s perfect for families and anyone who loves nature.  A rewarding adventure that showcases the beauty of our area.

Level: Moderate

Trail Length: 4.8 mi. 

Elevation gain: 1,000 ft. 

Estimated time: 2hr 25mins. 

I'm always on the lookout for good hikes in Reno that are beautiful, come with shade, views, changes in elevation, and water features. Brown's Creek Trail, located in south Reno, in the Galena area, just off Mt. Rose Highway, checked all the boxes.

Since my kids were getting more skilled and interested in hitting the trails, I decided to push our limits with a longer hike. Usually, we stick to 2-mile trails, so tackling 4.8 miles felt like a bit of a stretch with a 5, 6, and 1-year-old in tow. But if there's one thing I've learned in life, it's that we humans are capable of so much more than we think, and pushing ourselves outside our comfort zones and discovering new places almost always comes with a pretty big payoff.

The first part of the trail, before reaching the start of the loop, weaves through the woods with a gentle uphill slope over about a mile.  The first fork features a beautiful vista worth checking out on a little detour. Here, just a couple of minutes from the main trail, you’ll find a bench, breathtaking views, and an educational sign about Sundown Town, a short lived Old West themed family attraction that once stood nearby. The second fork marks the beginning of the loop, not far from the Vista. Take the left side if you want the easier route, as you’ll descend the steeper section rather than climb it.

Along the trail you'll come across three small bridges that cross the creek.  We took a break at the first bridge so the kids could dip their toes in the water and have some fun. It was a nice stop to for cooling down with plenty of shade provided by nearby trees. After crossing the second bridge, you'll find the third fork. We took a wrong turn at this fork, heading straight into the “National Forest” (the loop sign was a bit farther up and faced the wrong way) resulting in an extra 1.5 miles tagged onto our original route. We retraced our steps back to the sign, and, instead of going straight, made sure to head upward and to the right to get back on course. After the third fork, we crossed the final bridge and made our way back to the parking lot.

In total, we covered about 8.5 miles. It was such an empowering and rewarding journey. My family and I met plenty of friendly dogs, admired stunning wildflowers, encountered many kind people along the way, and leveled up our hiking game a bit.  The best part was being able to experience this adventure & complete wilderness without having to leave the city. 

Wandering through the Galena forest, crossing tranquil Brown's Creek, distracting the kids with tons of snacks & being their cheerleader, and getting over a hiccup with the family was incredibly fun, educational, and refreshing. 

I can't recommend this hike enough.

Notes

-It's super helpful to familiarize yourself with trail maps/apps that include navigation features that help keep you on track

-Dogs, horses, and cyclists are allowed on the trail 

-Enter the Galena Estates to find the trail entrance parking lot on the left side of Joy Lake Road.  

-Trailhead is located across the street

-Bring plenty of water, sun protection

-If hiking with kids, pack lots of snacks. 

-There’s plenty of shade throughout the hike, but there are also lots of exposed areas.  

-Have your phone handy for emergencies.  

-Alcohol pads and band-aids for unexpected scrapes

-Good footwear highly recommended  

-hiking poles may come in handy for those looking for more stability

-lots of vegetation, lizards, and insects to discover and enjoy

 Pick right side for more of a challenge to go up steep left side at end of loop. Left side to go down steeper side.

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

Photography 

© Katherine Fung,

All rights reserved.

Categorized Under Family Friendly Hikes & Scenic Overlooks

Crystal Peak Park in Verdi: A Hidden Gem Near Reno

561 Crystal Park Road

Verdi, NV 89439

Park Ranger Office: 

(775) 828-6612

Website 
Trail Map

Fishing Permits

Tahoe Pyramid Trail Guide

One of the things I love most about living in Reno is how quickly you can escape into breathtaking natural beauty, and Crystal Peak Park is the perfect example. Just 10 miles west of Reno along I-80 toward Donner Pass, and sitting at around 4,885 feet, this beautiful park is tucked between the Sierra Nevada mountains and the Truckee River. Spend the day fishing along the river, exploring the nature trail, enjoying a picnic, or discovering the area's fascinating history. You can even access the Tahoe-Pyramid bike Trail from the park if you're looking to extend your adventure and explore more of the scenic Truckee River corridor, and drive up Crystal Peak for for a rockhounding journey. And when you've worked up an appetite, head into Verdi for a bite at one of the nearby local gems, like Sasquatch Tavern & Grill, Chop 40, or Outlaw Coffee Cafe. These spots make the perfect ending to a day spent exploring the great outdoors.

What Makes This Park Special

-Shade from beautiful, tall trees

-A scenic 0.5-mile nature trail that loops alongside the Truckee River

-Two fishing ponds (stocked with Lahontan Cutthroat Trout)

-Boulders for climbing adventures

-Grassy picnic areas with BBQ facilities

-Restrooms 

-Access to Tahoe-Pyramid Trail (114 miles long. Spans from Lake Tahoe to Pyramid Lake)

-Interpretive signs with cool facts about the area

-Nearby trails, perfect for hikers and cyclists

From 1923 to 1938, Crystal Peak Park in Verdi was home to the Verdi Glen Resort, a beloved stop for commuters back in the day. Today, you can still explore remnants of that history, including pieces of the Verdi Lumber Company, which started operations here way back in 1860. The sawmill played a major role in helping build Virginia City and the railroad tracks that connected the region.

Crystal Peak Park is also a must visit for anyone with a love for rockhounding. The park, named after the majestic peak towering behind it, is a haven for quartz hunters. If you're ready to dig in, bring a shovel as there are quartz deposits waiting to be uncovered. For the adventurous, the peak itself is about 11 miles up a one way dirt road with some incredible scenic pull over spots to soak in the views.

My attempt to reach the peak in a minivan was... a bit of an adventure. The last three miles are full of deep ruts and uneven terrain, so if you're planning to tackle this route, an off roading vehicle or SUV is the way to go. While I didn't make it to the top, the drive was still full of breathtaking views and the thrill of the journey (& uncertainty, LOL).

If you’re lucky enough to reach the summit, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. 

The combination of rich history, natural beauty, and outdoor activities makes Crystal Peak a true gem just a short distance from Reno. 

NOTES

-Paved parking lot with easy access to the main trailhead

-Group areas available on a first-come, first-served basis.  No reservations needed.

-Ideal for family outings, nature lovers, and history buffs alike

-Check the weather ahead of time and plan accordingly

-stay hydrated and bring sun protection

-as always, have fun & leave no trace

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

Photography

© Katherine Fung,

All rights reserved.

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