Visit Huffaker Park in Reno for Scenic Trails and Fun Playgrounds

1160 E Huffaker Ln.

Reno, NV 89511

Yelp

Huffaker Park is a fantastic find tucked away in a charming Reno neighborhood, and it truly has something for everyone. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly day out or a peaceful hike with stunning views, this park is a must-visit.

What You’ll Find at Huffaker Park:

-Scenic Loop Trails:  The park features a .75 or a 1.7-mile looped trails.  The longer trail begins with a bit of a challenging upward slope. Don’t let the initial climb discourage you; it’s short-lived and rewards you with magnificent views of Reno. The trail then levels out, making for a pleasant and easy hike with scenic vistas and plenty of nature to enjoy.

-Gazebo and Views:  At the top of the hill, you’ll find a lovely gazebo, perfect for a break and taking in the panoramic views.

-Playgrounds and Pavilion: The park offers two playgrounds shaded by large trees, which are perfect for kids. Adjacent to one of the playgrounds is a spacious covered pavilion with a BBQ grill—ideal for picnics and gatherings.  Tall trees around the tables and playgrounds provide ample shade and enhance the park’s natural beauty.

-Sports Facilities:  Enjoy a game of basketball, baseball, or tennis at the park’s courts and fields. There’s also an exercise area with various bars for those who want to keep fit.

-Wide Open Spaces:  Huffaker Park is perfect for sports, running, and playing with your dog. 

-Amphitheater and Nature:  An amphitheater at the top of the trail adds a unique touch. The park also features a small creek and interpretive signs about local flora and fauna. 

-Seasonal Highlights:  In spring, the park bursts into color with blooming flowers, adding to its charm. The trail’s dirt and rocky path is well-suited for jogging and mountain biking, and there are benches scattered around for relaxing and enjoying the view, including a great spot for a picnic up on the hill.

Notes:

-Restrooms: The park features restrooms that are open seasonally, along with a water fountain for convenience. There is also ample street parking available.

-Sun Protection: The trails are fully exposed, so be sure to wear sun protection and stay hydrated, especially on hot summer days.

-Dog Etiquette: Please remember to adhere to leash laws for dogs and clean up after your pets to keep the park enjoyable for everyone.

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

Experience the Wild West: Ride the Historic Virginia & Truckee Railroad in Virginia City

166 F Street

Virginia City, NV 89440

(775) 847-0380

Virginia City Visitor Center

86 South C Street

Virginia City, NV 89440

(775) 847-7500

Website

Instagram

YELP

2024 Virginia City Event Brochure

If you’re planning a visit to Virginia City, the Virginia & Truckee Railroad is an absolute must-experience.  Take a short train ride to Gold Hill Hotel while taking in the views (mustangs included if you're lucky) and the incredible history of the town that helped put VC (and neighboring towns) on the map.  This charming, magical town, just a short drive from Reno, makes for the perfect day trip.  I'm here so often that I practically feel like a local, lol.  Throughout the year, the railroad offers a variety of awesome event trains, including:

-Gold Hill Excursions - This is their main train that operates daily during the summer, May - October

-Pumpkin Patch & Electric Train O' Lights (October)

-Father's Day Train (June) & Mother's Day Train (June)

-Murder Mystery Train (August)

-Civil War Battle Train (late September)

-The Polar Express & Candy Cane Express (December) - your only chance at landing tickets for the Polar Express train is to stay up to date with the news via newsletter.  Subscribe on their homepage.  Tickets usually become available sometime in the summer. 

Rates as of 8/2024

Virginia City is like stepping into the "Wild Wild West." This charming little town is packed with wooden pathways, historic saloons, and that rich history that just pulls you in. I fell in love with it the first time I visited, and the railroad is just one of the many things I keep on coming back for.

If you’re planning a visit, don’t miss out on all the amazing things Virginia City has to offer. From the lively cowboy culture to the unique shops and year-round attractions, including beloved annual events, there’s so much to explore. Be sure to stop by the visitor’s center to get all the info you need for your trip, including lodging, restaurants, tours, and more.

Source

My family has taken the Candy Cane Express several times, and we’ve also loved the everyday 35-minute round-trip ride up to Gold Hill. You even have the option to hop off and explore the hotel before catching another train back to the station. Each ride is an absolute blast, with the staff going above and beyond to make everyone feel the magic of VC, especially during the holiday season.

The ride to Gold Hill on the V&T Railroad feels like stepping into a storybook. As the train winds through the hills, a kind and knowledgeable conductor shares the rich history of this legendary railway. You’ll pass by remnants of old mines, sunbaked rock formations, and patches of sagebrush.  It's the kind of scenery that stops you in your tracks. Keep your eyes open; wild mustangs are known to roam these parts, and spotting one feels like pure Nevada magic. No matter the season, this ride is sure to deliver.

Candy Cane Express Train 

(November & December)

-50-minute round trip to Gold Hill with a brief stop at the "North Pole" to see Santa and his elves in action.

-During the ride, they read *'Twas the Night Before Christmas.*

-Enjoy hot cocoa or apple cider, cookies, and candy canes.

-Snap pictures with the cheerful Candy Cane Sisters.

-Santa comes out for photos at the end of the ride.

-Sing along to Christmas carols, and they even give a shout-out to December birthdays.

-The train cars and depot are beautifully decorated, and the indoor cars are heated for comfort.

-They keep things fresh by changing up the ride every year.

I absolutely LOVE the Candy Cane Express because it’s pure holiday magic. The Candy Cane Sisters are always full of cheer, and the whimsical train and depot are impossible to skip during the holidays. 

Notes

*Before you head out, check AccuWeather for weather updates.  40°F with wind can feel pretty biting. Dressing the right way can be the determining factor for a good trip.

*For train rides, arriving about 15 minutes early is usually enough time to check in at the gift shop

*V&T also offers a longer 1.5-hour ride to Carson City if you’re up for a longer adventure. 

*Purchase tickets in person to avoid online fees & save money

*Subscribe to Virginia City's newsletter to stay up-to-date with all the latest events and happenings.

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

Photography

Katherine Fung,

All Rights Reserved.

Categorized under "Day Trips From Reno"