Discover Hunter Creek Trail: A Hidden Reno Gem with a Waterfall and Wildflowers in Spring

Hunter Creek Trail

-My Instagram video of this hike

-Access trail from Michael D. Thompson Trailhead

-AllTrails

-Moderate 5.7mi. out &back, 1,181ft. elevation gain with avg. completion time of 3hrs.

Hike Snapshot

Hunter Creek Trail is one of Reno's top hikes.  Scenic views, wildflowers in spring, and a beautiful forest that features a waterfall make it highly sought out by nature and outdoor enthusiasts.  This trail is accessible from the western edge of Reno, making it ideal for locals and visitors alike.    

Be intrigued and inspired by Hunter Creek Trail, a Reno gem nestled in the mountains that will spark your Darwinian instincts to discover, explore, and document.

As you ascend into the mountains, you'll be met with larger-than life backdrops of diverse scenes made by forces beyond our scope.

Witness panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in the distance, rugged canyons, a lush valley thriving alongside Hunter Creek, vistas that excite, & a magical & thriving forest with scattered patches of lovely creeks that lead up to a roaring waterfall.

You'll get a feeling of grandeur...like that feeling you get while watching Jurassic Park and The Land Before Time, and you'll realize how lucky we are to be living so close to beauty so unreal.

Visit between mid-spring & early summer and  the trail will be lined with wildflowers, welcoming you like royalty.

Excite and awaken all of your senses, grow your love for Reno and our earth, and inspire your personal passions here at Hunter Creek Trail.

Notes

*Restrooms at trailhead
*hike ideal in cool weather as shade is limited to end of hike
*bring lots of water & snacks, especially when hiking with children
*Creek next to bridge, 2mins. from parking lot- shallow and ideal for water play
*Check hourly weather to dress accordingly (wind, temp., and UV)
*hat with strap highly recommended when windy
*Hiking poles can come in handy for those looking for more support
*Dog + runner friendly
*sunscreen for lips & body
*few spots of paths made of rocks, easy to walk on
*Not stroller friendly
*Steady incline all the way to the falls, with few moderate stretches of climbs throughout hike
*Great for photography.  Don't forget to charge phone and camera.
*View of Reno skyline at beginning 1/4 of hike.  Don't forget to look back throughout the trail for cool views.
*Mosquitos common in forest at sunset
*Bring a picnic, leave no trace.  Ideal picnic spot right next to waterfall, where you can find huge logs to sit on.
*Few rock & log crossings in the forest (see pictures below)

*Watch out for loose gravel on the way back to the parking lot
*Facing the waterfalls you'll see a trail to the left and wonder if it's worth hiking up. Not worth the effort in my opinion as there are many things obstructing the view and it was so steep & dangerous.
*If you cross the log at waterfall to other side it will loop you back on the path.
*Download the AllTrails app for free to help keep you on track and informed of pacing, distance, elevation, and time.

*Check out AllTrails for reviews on snow levels early spring

Trailhead next to parking lot.

Look back at the beginning 10 minutes of the hike and you'll be able to see our skyline.

This creek is a minute or two from the parking lot and is ideal for water play.

Most wildflowers were gone 7/30/23, but I was able to find several on my hike.

The trail with the most wildflowers to date.

First creek to cross on the way to the waterfall.

Second crossing.

The log you walk on to get in front of the waterfall and to cross to the other side.

I could spend the whole day here photographing nature.

The last crossing to loop back onto the main trail.

Getting hit with golden light is the most magical thing ever.

My Fun Adventure

*Legs burned a bit.

*Had an insane time racing against the clock trying to finish the hike before losing light.

*Got eaten alive by starving mosquitos.

*Got distracted by a beautiful rock and went down the wrong path.

*Played with dragon flies, butterflies, and lizards.  Got scared by dragon flies as they flew into my face. LOL

*Love my life.

Categorized under "Hikes"

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

Photography

© Katherine Fung

All rights reserved.

Geiger Lookout Wayside Park- A Nice Stop with Great Views on the way to and from Virginia City

1990 Geiger Grade Rd. 

Reno, NV, 89521

Old Geiger Grade OHV Trail

Virginia City Website | Instagram

Geiger Lookout is a favorite spot for sunset lovers and curious travelers making their way to and from Virginia City. You’ll find this gem just a bit up the winding road (built in 1862 to haul silver from the Comstock Lode) from the Reno roundabout, with a turnout offering about 11 parking spaces.

One of the coolest things about Reno is how diverse it is, with its river, farmlands, forests, and Tahoe & Old West vibes all within a short drive of one another. At Geiger Lookout, you’ll be treated to rock lined paths, muted nature colors, and vibrant red mineral mountains, creating a truly unique experience.

With multiple lookout points, you’ll soak in sweeping views of Mt. Rose, the Sierra Mountains, and Downtown Reno. Sitting at about 1,000 feet above the Truckee Meadows, you’ll feel like you're on top of the world being surrounded by stunning scenery.  The park also features the remnants of 1938 barbecues, wells, and even a “love seat,” bringing visitors back in time and sparking curiosity about its history.

Just a quick 15-minute drive up a scenic, winding road will lead you to Virginia City, a charming town soaking in rich mining history and that classic “old west” feel everyone goes nuts for (or is that just me?).  Can you believe that it once inhabited about 25,000 residents at its peak during the 19th century mining bonanza?  That population has since dwindled down drastically to 690 in 2026 (source).  If time machines really existed, Virginia City in its heyday would be among the top places I'd travel back to.

Throughout the year, Virginia City comes alive with annual events, parades, and tours, making it a hotspot for tourists.  With ghost tours, saloon crawls, restaurants, unique boutiques, holiday happenings, tons of historical buildings, and even sleepovers, there’s no shortage of exciting experiences waiting for you in the "Wild Wild West."

Together, Geiger Grade Lookout and Virginia City offer the perfect day trip.  I can't tell you how many times I've found myself wandering around this area.  Sometimes I'll photograph random scenes and places on the way to VC and at VC itself, and sometimes I'll just come for lunch or chat with a VC local (they're always so kind and welcoming).  And at the end of every single trip, I sit back and think about how lucky I am to be living next to a true "Frontier Land (sorry Disney, VC takes the cake)."

Whether I'm soaking in the sunset from the lookout, wandering the streets of Virginia City, or having a showdown with bad guys on C street at noon, I always leave with a deeper appreciation for the beauty and history that surrounds Reno.

Fun Facts: Geiger Grade was once a crucial route for miners traveling between Reno and Virginia City during the Comstock Lode boom.  

Virginia City still preserves many buildings from this era, some over 150 years old.  Check out the stunning Mackay Mansion, the oldest building in VC (1860). Tours available. WEBSITE

Notes 
-A plaque at the stone stairs commemorates Dr. Davison M. Geiger, a local physician who helped finance the original Geiger Grade Road. The stairs lead to the lookout and a cozy “love seat” where you can relax and take in the views.
-The park covers approximately 2 acres.
-Partial shade is available under the trees.
-There are no functional restrooms on site.
-It can get super windy at higher elevations.  Stay on top of hourly weather and dress accordingly 

Categorized under "Parks and Playgrounds" & "Scenic Overlooks"

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

Photography 

©Katherine Fung

All Rights Reserved