Take a Short and Scenic Hike to a Stunning Waterfall on Mt. Rose Summit Trail

24705 Mt Rose Hwy 

Reno, NV 89511

(about 30 mins. from Reno)

Trail map to Galena Falls from Mt. Rose Summit Trailhead on Komoot. 

Trail Overview

Best used: May through October

Elevation Gain: 323 ft. 

Distance: 2.5 miles

Duration: 1 hrs. 24 mins.

Start Elevation: 9,000 ft.

Friends, it’s absolutely crazy how much beauty you can find right here in our region. If you’re a lover of the outdoors, chances are you’ll fall in love with Reno because it serves as the perfect gateway to adventure. With endless forests to explore, iconic Lake Tahoe just around the corner, and countless natural wonders nearby, it’s easy to see why this area inspires so much awe and appreciation for nature.

A little ways up Mt. Rose Highway is the Mt. Rose Summit Trail, which is easy to get to, easy to navigate, and comes with a beautiful waterfall only 2.5 miles into the trail.  I've heard many great things about the full 11.8 mile loop to the summit, but many visit soley to see the waterfall.  Based on what I’ve read from other hikers, the trail becomes more challenging beyond the waterfall, with the final 1.5 miles to the summit being the toughest climb. Even so, many hikers say the extra effort is well worth it for the incredible views overlooking the Lake Tahoe Basin, Washoe Valley, and Reno.

Aside from a short climb at the beginning of Mt. Rose Summit Trail, you’ll wind through the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest forest and reach the beautiful Galena Falls. The surrounding meadow next to the falls adds an extra touch of beauty that makes this area feel even more magical. Because the waterfall is so rewarding for the amount of effort it takes to reach, this section can get busy. 

As you make your way up the mountain and begin to witness the beauty that surrounds, take a moment to fill your lungs with that glorious alpine air and your heart with a little awe and appreciation for the existence of the great outdoors.  

NOTES
-The beginning of the trail offers plenty of shade as you make your way toward Galena Falls. The path is mostly flat aside from the initial climb.

-Restrooms are available seasonally at the trailhead parking lot.
-If traveling to the summit, pack a windbreaker no matter the season. 

-Higher elevations mean stronger sun exposure, sun protection, plenty of water, and snacks are highly recommended. 

-Hiking poles can be helpful for the rockier sections and steeper climbs to the summit.
-Summer weekends can get crowded, so arrive early or visit on a weekday for easier parking. During winter, the area near the parking lot becomes a popular spot for snow play and sledding. In late summer, you may even catch the beautiful Monarch butterfly migration. Catch colors in the fall and wildflowers in the spring/summer.

-Winter Hiking: Snowshoeing and cross country skiing are popular activities here in the winter.  Proper gear is essential. Be sure to check the weather in advance and dress appropriately. Serious winter hikers like to use an app to help keep them on track, especially when it allows them access to trail info. even without reception.

Nearby 

*Tahoe Meadows: If you’re looking for a lovely flat hike nearby, check out the Tahoe Meadows Interpretive Loop trail just down the road to the left (you can't miss the parking lot). The Tahoe Meadows South Trailhead is just a minute away from the lot on the main road.  During summer, the parking lot closer to the trailhead opens up to the public. 

*Ophir Creek Trail - Just drive a little ways down Mt. Rose Highway (less than a min.) to the area with the parked cars to enjoy a beautiful boardwalk that lines the meadow creeks.

Winter Fun Next to Mt. Rose Summit Trailhead Parking Lot

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

Photography

© Katherine Fung,

All rights reserved.

Categorized under "Family Friendly Hikes" 

Family Fun & Global Discoveries Await at the Wilbur D. May Museum in Reno Nevada

Wilbur D. May Center

1595 N Sierra Street

Reno, NV 89503

Museum: (775) 785-5961

Arboretum: (775) 785-4153

Park Ranger Office: (775) 785-4512

Website

Instagram

The Wilbur D. May Museum offers themed exhibitions which tend to run January through April or May every year.  The Hall of Heroes was just one of the many that made its way into the museum, allowing guests to test their super human abilities.

This exhibit was packed with impressive figurines and hands on activities that were interesting, fun, and a blast for both kids and adults. The kids were amazed from start to finish and kept getting more excited for whatever came next. They tested their running speed, got blasted by a giant fan that simulated a flight experience, tested their hanging abilities, and solved puzzles that required a little super human brain power.  You can always expect a good time with these themed displays at Wilbur May Museum.

Admission to these specially themed exhibits also grants you admission to the permanent collection of Wilbur D. May - a rancher, pilot, artist, world traveler, and all around adventure seeker. Over his lifetime he traveled all over the world and brought home treasures from almost every corner of the globe. The museum holds these artifacts and displays them in a way that makes you feel like you are walking through the story of his life.

You will find cultural pieces from Asia, Africa, the South Pacific, and Europe. There are tribal masks, carved figures, pottery, ceramics from ancient dynasties, beautiful glasswork, and all kinds of decorative art. You will also see antique weapons and historic firearms that reflect both his world travels and his ranching lifestyle.

One of the most unforgettable parts of the museum is the recreation of his trophy room from his Double Diamond Ranch. It is filled with almost two hundred taxidermy animals along with some of the coolest & most unusual decor you will ever see, like lamp bases made from zebra legs and furniture made from horns. There are also rare curiosities like a shrunken head, Egyptian scarabs, Inuit carvings, and relics from ancient civilizations.

The museum also includes recreated rooms from Wilbur's actual home, which lets you step right into the life he lived. His own paintings are displayed as well, displaying his talent and love for landscapes inspired by both Nevada and his travels. You can even get a glimpse of his ranching - saddles, gear, and western equipment teach visitors that he was just as grounded at home as he was adventurous abroad.

Everything at the museum is well preserved and displayed in a clean and organized way allowing visitors to explore different cultures, stories, and time periods in a fun and easy to digest kind of way. 

Museums inspire curiosity, preserve history, help us understand how we came to be, and let us travel the world without ever getting on a plane.  I'm so fortunate we have so many to enjoy in the area.

The Wilbur D. May Museum is open to the public, is set in the best location, and is rarely crowded, making them for an experience that's relaxed and enjoyable.

You can find the museum inside Rancho San Rafael Park, Renos biggest and most dynamic park. Read more about it HERE.

NOTES

-The museum's gift shop is one of the best in town and includes fun gifts and items showcasing different cultures around the world.  During the holidays, it becomes a real gem for unique finds.

-Admission to traveling exhibits includes access to the permanent May Collection and gallery.

-There is a free age appropriate scavenger hunt for both kids & adults to enjoy while exploring the museum.  Request for the form while paying for admission.

-Group rates are available for groups of fifteen or more for both special exhibits and guided tours.

-Every year the Dragon Lights Festival is held in Rancho San Rafael Park - the same park where the museum is located. It is a festive and magical community event that features tons of handmade lanterns, interactive displays, food trucks, photo ops, and so much more. 

-I highly suggest exploring the arboretum found right next to the museum on your visit. It offers peaceful paths, lovely trees, and a relaxing way to extend your visit.

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

© Photography 

Katherine Fung,

All rights reserved.

 Categorized under "Museums"