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)

Directions

AllTrails

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When I think about why I love living in Reno, Mt. Rose Summit Trail is definitely near the top of the list. This 11.8 mile loop trail offers stunning views and fun for every skill level.

With little effort and a fairly flat path (aside from a short stretch at the beginning), you’ll wind through the woods and reach beautiful Galena Falls in just about 2.5 miles. The view of the meadow in the area is a bonus. Because it takes only a small amount of effort to get to this gorgeous waterfall, this part of the hike can get busy.

I’ve only made it to the falls, but from what I’ve read in other reviews, the hike becomes more challenging from there on out, with the last 1.5 miles being the toughest climb. Still, many find the hike rewarding, thanks to the breathtaking views of the Lake Tahoe Basin, Washoe Valley, and Reno.

Trail Overview

Best used: May through October when the snow melts and before winter hits 

Distance: 11.8 mile loop  

Duration: 4.5 to 6 hours round trip  

Elevation: 10,778 ft. Be mindful of altitude sickness, especially above 8,000 feet. 

Trail Conditions

Shade: Lots of shade is found at the beginning throughout the journey to the waterfall

Terrain: The trail starts fairly flat (except for the beginning), but the last 1.5 miles are suppose to be more challenging.  

Restrooms:  Located at trailhead parking lot. Open seasonally.

Recommendations

Wind Protection: The summit is said to always be windy.  Bring a windbreaker no matter the season.  

Sun Protection: Don’t forget sunblock. The higher you are, the more intense the sun is. 

Hydration & Snacks: Bring plenty of water and snacks.  There are picnic opportunities throughout the hike.  

Walking Aids: Many hikers find walking poles helpful for the rocky sections and the ascent.

Seasonal Tips

Crowds: To beat the crowds, go on a weekday or early on weekends during summer. Parking lots fill up fast.  

Winter Activities: In winter, people love to sled and play in the snow near the parking lot. 

Wildlife Viewing: In mid to late August, you might catch the amazing Monarch Butterfly migration.  

Fall Beauty: The trail is beautiful in the fall and vibrant in spring and summer, with lots of wildlife and wildflowers.

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, they open the gates that lead to a parking lot closer to the trailhead. 

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 you'll have access to the trails even without reception.

If you want to see an amazing video that does this trail justice, check out this video made by Supai Adventures.  You can even run into butterflies!!!

Right Next to Mt. Rose Summit Trailhead Parking Lot

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

HOURS:

Wednesday - Saturday: 10:00am to 4:00pm
Sunday: 12:00 - 4:00pm
Monday & Tuesday: Closed

Museum: (775) 785-5961

Arboretum: (775) 785-4153

Park Ranger Office: (775) 785-4512

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Volunteer Opportunities

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Museum Event Space Rental Information

Garden Wedding Rentals

Pavilion Rental Information

The Wilbur D. May Museum offers plenty of 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, letting everyone test their super human abilities.

This exhibit was packed with impressive figurines and hands on activities that were interesting, fun, and a blast for kids and adults. The kids were amazed from start to finish and kept getting more excited for whatever came next. They were able to test their speed, get blasted by a giant fan that made them feel like they were flying, try out their hanging strength, and solve puzzles that required a little super human brain power. Just like all the other exhibits here, you can always expect a good time with these themed displays.

One of the biggest reasons this museum stands out is because it holds the personal 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 most unusual items 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 his actual home, which lets you step right into the life he lived. His own paintings are displayed as well, showing his talent and love for landscapes inspired by both Nevada and his travels. You even get a glimpse of his ranching life with saddles, gear, and western equipment that remind you he was just as grounded at home as he was adventurous abroad.

This is the only museum in Nevada where you will find a collection like this. Everything is well preserved and displayed in a clean and organized way, grouped so visitors can explore different cultures, stories, and time periods all in one place.

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. The Wilbur D. May Museum is open to the public and is rarely crowded, which makes the entire experience relaxed and enjoyable.

You can find the museum inside Rancho San Rafael Park, Renos biggest and most dynamic park. You can find more information about the park in my other post HERE.

NOTES

-There is a lovely gift shop in the museum and it is one of the best in town for gifts. During the holidays it becomes a real gem for unique finds.

-Admission to a traveling exhibit 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.

-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 which is 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 is always worth seeing.

-Right next to the museum is a beautiful arboretum. Do not pass up the chance to walk through because 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"