Geiger lookout is frequented by sunset enthusiasts, people looking to stretch their legs out, In-N-Out lovers wanting to enjoy their food with a great view, people looking to take a step back in history, vista enjoyers, and curious travelers going to and coming from Virginia City.
The lookout can be found a little ways up a winding route to Virginia City from Reno at a turnout with about 11 parking spaces.
One of the best things about Reno is how varied it can be within such a short distance.
The river, country-style farm land, the forest, old west, Lake, and more can all be found within a short distance of one another.
With rock-lined paths, muted colors of nature and vibrant red mineralize mountains, Geiger Lookout provides a unique experience.
There are multiple lookout points where you will find sweeping views of Mt. Rose, the Sierra Mountains and Downtown Reno.
At about 1,000ft. elevation above the Truckee Meadows, you will feel amazing being surrounded by amazing views.
The park and its 1938 ruins of barbecues, wells, restrooms, and a "love seat" help bring people back in time and activate their wonders of the history behind them.
Just a short 15-min drive up a scenic and winding road, you'll find Virginia City, a small town with an "old west" feel, known for its rich mining history. There's truly no better feeling than taking a step back in time in the "Wild Wild West."
Throughout the year, Virginia City hosts many annual events, parades, tours and is a popular place for tourists, with rad experiences, ghost tours, saloons, restaurants, and unique boutique shops.
Notes:
-Plaque at stone stairs commemorate Davison M. Geiger, a local physician who funded the Geiger Grade Rd. Stairs lead to lookout and "loveseat" where you can sit and hang out
-2 acres.
-you can bring lawn chairs to enjoy the view for a little while and have a picnic
-Partial shade available under areas with trees
-No restrooms
-It can get windy. Don't forget to check the weather for wind speed and conditions to dress appropriately
When I think about why I love living in Reno, Mt. Rose Summit Trail is one reason that's up there on the list. It's a 11.8-mile loop trail that includes stunning views and enjoyment for every skill level.
Will little to no effort and a fairly flat path (with exception to the beginning of the trail) winding through the woods, in about 2.5 miles, you will reach beautiful Galena Falls and a grand view of a meadow. For the little amount of effort needed in getting to a beautiful waterfall, Mt. Rose Summit Trail has become popular and can get busy for this part of the hike.
From the falls, the hike is said to get more and more difficult, with the last 1.5 miles being more on the most challenging side. Regardless, many see the hike as rewarding and pleasant, with stunning views of Lake Tahoe Basin, Washoe Valley and Reno (AllTrails).
Notes:
-Best used May–October
-30 min from South Reno
-4.5–6 hrs round trip
-Elevation:10,778' ft. Altitude sickness can be a risk for some individuals, esp when going over 8,000 feet. Here's an article with more information.
-The summit at top is always windy and hikers on AllTrails recommend windbreakers no matter what the season.
-Download the app AllTrails (free) for more reviews, directions, photos and navigation tools
-Don't forget sunblock. The higher you are, the more intense the sun is. Dress in layers.
-Bring lots of water and snacks. Picnic opportunities available throughout the hike.
-Going early on weekends in the summer and winter will help beat the crowds. Parking lots can fill up fast.
-During winter, lots of people like to sled and play with snow next to the parking lot. Slopes are awesome.
-Most shade is found at the beginning of hike. At the last part, a sprinkling of trees helps provide relief from the sun.
-In Mid to late August you can catch the great Monarch Butterfly migration
-Beautiful in the fall, and in the spring and summer with lots of wildlife and wildflowers
-People have found walking poles to be of benefit for the last part of the rocky hike and for the ascent
-there's a restroom that's open during certain parts of the year. Porta Potties available.
-Dog and equestrian friendly
-For those looking for a beautiful flat hike nearby Tahoe Meadows Interpretive Loop trail is down the street to the left (you will see a parking lot). Tahoe Meadows South Trailhead is just a min down from Tahoe Meadows and features more options for hikes. Here you will find another loop hike that leads to a boardwalk that is fun to hang around.
-The Mt. Rose area is popular in the winter for sledding, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.
-If hiking in the winter, bring snow gear and a map or make sure your phone is charged so that AllTrails can help you navigate. The trails can easily be lost covered in snow.
-During longer hikes where bathrooms are not nearby, I like to bring my portable potty for my kids.
Reccomended Gear
-Sunscreen (after trying so many options, this is my family's favorite)
-Water Bottle (definitely a must in Reno's dry climate)
I'm always looking for hikes close to Reno that are beautiful and because the kids were getting a little more skillful and interested in hikes, I decided to test the limits and try to do a hike that was a little longer. Usually, we do 2-mile hikes and 4.8 miles isn't exactly an ideal distance to go on with a 5, 6, and 1-year-old, but if there's one thing I learned (esp. during these uncertain times), it's that humans are capable of so much.
With the help of a few tools (hiking backpack, carrier, and portable potty + Liners), we set off to what ended up being one of the most beautiful, challenging and rewarding hikes. The trail was filled with so many stunning views and different terrains. Going through the Galena forest and crossing tranquil Brown's creek was so refreshing. I would encourage everyone to go on this hike.
The first part of the hike before you get to the loop is through the woods with a gentle upward slope (about 1 mile). You will come to the 1st fork, which is worth stopping at- The Vista (only a couple of min away). There you'll find a bench, an amazing view, and an educational sign of a former family attraction named Sundown Town. The 2nd fork is the start of the loop (not far from the vista). If you take the left side, you will be going down the steeper side of the loop. Go right if you want more of a challenge.
There are 3 small bridges that cross the creek. We stopped at the first creek so the kids could wet their feet and have some fun. It was very nice, since there were trees all around to help supply shade. You will cross a 2nd bridge before you get to the third fork. We took the wrong turn at the 3rd fork and went straight into the "National Forest" (the sign for the loop was a little ways up with back of sign facing us) and ended up going up another 1.5 miles. This trail was nice and challenging and we ran into lots of people on mountain bikes. When we realized we were lost, we went back to the fork and found the sign. Instead of going straight, go upward and to the right to stay on track. After the 3rd fork, we crossed the 3rd bridge and made our way back to the parking lot.
My 5-year-old surprised me and walked the whole trail. My 4-year-old got tired at the 5-mile mark, at which point I carried him with a carrier. My 1-year-old took naps and enjoyed the views the whole time in the hiking backpack. At the end, we did a total of 8.5 miles. It was the most empowering and rewarding journey we had done as a family. We met a lot of cool dogs, saw a lot of wildflowers, and met a ton of nice people who stepped to the side for us.
Notes:
*Dogs, horses, cyclists allowed
*Enter the Galena estates to get to trail entrance parking lot (on left) on Joy Lake Road
*The trail entrance is across the street a little way up from the parking lot going back toward entrance to Galena Estates
*Bring lots of water
*If hiking with kids, pack lots of snacks. We also packed a portable toilet for the kids and lots of sunscreen and hand sanitizer.
*There is plenty of shade throughout the hike, but there is also exposed areas.
*have your phone handy for emergencies
*if you download AllTrails, you can bring up their trail maps and track your location at all times with respect to highlighted trail (Next time, I won't forget to hike without it.)
*Both me and my daughter tripped on some rocks and got scrapes. Next time I will bring alcohol pads and bandages.
*trail is rocky so good footwear is recommended
*I saw a good amount of people with hiking poles, but you definitely can do without them
*Lots of vegetation, lizards, and insects to look at
*Around the loop is about 2.3 miles. The total mileage of Brown's Creek Trail is 4.8 miles.
*Spring and early summer wildflowers
Reccomended Gear
-Sunscreen (after trying so many options, this is my family's favorite)
-Water Bottle (definitely a must in Reno's dry climate)
