Take A Beautiful, Short and Educational hike at Tahoe Meadows Interpretive Loop

DIRECTIONS

Reviews on Yelp

Just after having my newborn baby a few years ago, I longed to go out for a walk, preferably somewhere beautiful in nature where the whole family could have a good time. It was a mission of mine to search for the perfect place — a place with great views, a short trail, a stroller-friendly path, with some shade and easy to get to. I was lucky to have found Tahoe Meadows, as it has come to be one of my family's favorite hikes.

There are some interpretive signs around and the path is very enjoyable for the kids with lots of nature to explore. Best of all, in spring, it is loaded with wildflowers and soothing sounds of nature from babbling brooks to chirping insects.

-The trailhead is about a 30 min. (beautiful) drive up a the mountain toward Lake Tahoe from South Reno
-Stroller/kid/wheelchair/dog friendly
-Fairly flat
-1.3 mile loop, 49 Feet Elevation Gain
-Restrooms available seasonally
-Partial Shade
-good for snowshoeing and cross country skiing in the winter (may need chains when driving up to get up the mountain depending on weather. check weather and road cameras before making a trip out)
-AllTrails App is great for information, directions, and reviews
-when weather is wet, paths get muddy

Getting There:

The parking lot is in the beginning part of a long stretch(to the left) past the Mt. Rose Summit Trail parking lot. If gates are open, drive downhill until you see restrooms.

Tahoe Meadows trail is best enjoyed from May until October (snow accumulation in the winter makes getting around difficult). For those looking for more intense hikes, Mt. Rose Summit Trail (10.7miles) is a little ways back toward Reno(a few min. to the parking lot) and has been described as beautiful and worth the effort and time.

Reccomended Gear

-Sunscreen (after trying so many options, this is my family's favorite)

-Water Bottle (definitely a must in Reno's dry climate)

-Portable potty & Liners (priceless gadget that makes any hike with kids a breeze)

-hiking backpack (great view for kids, storage, nap friendly, shade)

-carrier (more afordable, light weight, shade, storage for keys)

*As an Amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Categorized under "Family Friendly Hikes"

Galena Creek Regoinal Park- One of Reno's Hidden Gems, The park that has it all.

Catch the gorgeous sunrise

Mt. Rose Highway

South Entrance, North Entrance - 18250, 18350 Mt Rose Hwy, Reno, NV 89511

Directions to Jones Creek Loop
Directions to Galena Creek Short Loop

Trail Map and Descriptions

Reviews on Yelp

Galena Creek Regional Park is the kind of park that people would be happy to drive long distances to get to. It's beautiful year-round with lots to see and do.

Lucky for me, it's practically in my backyard (10 min from South Reno up toward Mt. Rose)...an enchanted forest with unbelievable views, tranquility, sounds of nature at its best, picnic areas w/ water pump stations in the summer, trails, BBQ grills, dog poop bags, well marked trails, family friendly trails, dog friendly trails, biking/horse trails/difficult trails, visitor center, tall beautiful pine trees, soothing creeks, Marilyn's fishing pond, camp fires and stories in the summer, prime sledding hills in the winter, snowshoeing, cross country skiing... you name it.  

About four years ago, when I first moved here, I was shocked to have found such a beautiful park so close by and until now, I still frequent it with my family.

My kids (3,5,1 yrs, old) love the GALENA CREEK NATURE TRAIL-  (0.9 mile loop, 164 ft. elevation gain).  You can find the trailhead past the entrance of the park, past the sign for park hours. Follow the paved road to the end, past the BBQ grills, to the small parking lot. The trail is short and sweet, with lots of fun paths to follow. 

JONES LOOP (1.5 miles, 259 ft. elevation gain), is also a favorite.  You can find the trailhead before the main park entrance (look for a sign for trailhead) then turn right into the parking lot.  There's a little climb in the beginning, but very enjoyable for the whole family.  You can complete the loop or branch out to more difficult trails (JONES WHITES CREEK LOOP, 10 miles, 2,450ft. elevation gain). Just from doing the first 1/4 mile of Jones Whites, you will come across beautiful views. This trail also seems to be popular with mountain bikers from all the tracks that I saw. 

A short distance from the entrance, there are many picnic stations, including the Bearmat group picnic area that you can reserve for parties and gatherings (10 tables with huge BBQ grill).  There is also a restroom close by, but the paved path is up a little hill. 

Galena fish hatchery is a place within the park where you can fish and have special events such as weddings. Click HERE for directions.

Galena Creek Park is the perfect park for the perfect getaway, especially if you don't have time to plan long trips to the great outdoors.  

If you download the app ALLTRAILS for hiking, you can get more information, directions, read reviews, and track where you're at on the trail (given you have reception).

Recommended Gear

-Sunscreen (after trying so many options, this is my family's favorite)

-Water Bottle (definitely a must in Reno's dry climate)

-Portable Potty & Liners (priceless gadget that makes any hike with kids a breeze)

-hiking backpack (great for kids, storage, nap-friendly, shade)

-carrier (more affordable, lightweight, shade, storage for keys)

*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.  Your support is always appreciated and helps support my website.

a little ways from Jones Whites trailhead

Bearmat Picnic Area found in parking lot. By reservation only.

Bearmat Picnic Area Restroom

All Pictures Below- Galena Creek Short Loop

"Categorized under Parks and Playgrounds, Family Friendly Hiking and Picnic Spots"