AllTrails Map
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. 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.
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.
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
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| 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
