Park Ranger Office:
(775) 849-2511
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.
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| 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
