Monday, November 9, 2020

Take a Short & Scenic hike to a Beautiful Waterfall - Mt. Rose Summit Trail


24705 Mt Rose Hwy 
Reno, NV 89511


When I think about why I love living in Reno, Mt. Rose Summit Trail is one reason that's up there on the list.  It's a 11.8-mile loop trail that includes stunning views and enjoyment for every skill level.  

Will little to no effort and a fairly flat path (with exception to the beginning of the trail) winding through the woods, in about 2.5 miles, you will reach beautiful Galena Falls and a grand view of a meadow.  For the little amount of effort needed in getting to a beautiful waterfall, Mt. Rose Summit Trail has become popular and can get busy for this part of the hike.  

From the falls, the hike is said to get more and more difficult, with the last 1.5 miles being more on the most challenging side.  Regardless, many see the hike as rewarding and pleasant, with stunning views of Lake Tahoe Basin, Washoe Valley and Reno (AllTrails).

Notes:
-Best used May–October
-30 min from South Reno
-4.5–6 hrs round trip
-Elevation:10,778' ft. Altitude sickness can be a risk for some individuals, esp when going over 8,000 feet.  Here's an article with more information.
-The summit at top is always windy and hikers on AllTrails recommend windbreakers no matter what the season.
-Download the app AllTrails (free) for more reviews, directions, photos and navigation tools
-As always, check the weather and road conditions to plan accordingly.
-Don't forget sunblock. The higher you are, the more intense the sun is.  Dress in layers.
-Bring lots of water and snacks.  Picnic opportunities available throughout the hike.
-Going early on weekends in the summer and winter will help beat the crowds. Parking lots can fill up fast.
-During winter, lots of people like to sled and play with snow next to the parking lot. Slopes are awesome.
-Most shade is found at the beginning of hike. At the last part, a sprinkling of trees helps provide relief from the sun.
-In Mid to late August you can catch the great Monarch Butterfly migration
-Beautiful in the fall, and in the spring and summer with lots of wildlife and wildflowers
-People have found walking poles to be of benefit for the last part of the rocky hike and for the ascent
-there's a restroom that's open during certain parts of the year.  Porta Potties available.
-Dog and equestrian friendly
-For those looking for a beautiful flat hike nearby Tahoe Meadows Interpretive Loop trail is down the street to the left (you will see a parking lot).  Tahoe Meadows South Trailhead is just a min down from Tahoe Meadows and features more options for hikes. Here you will find another loop hike that leads to a boardwalk that is fun to hang around.
-The Mt. Rose area is popular in the winter for sledding, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.
-If hiking in the winter, bring snow gear and a map or make sure your phone is charged so that AllTrails can help you navigate.  The trails can easily be lost covered in snow.
-During longer hikes where bathrooms are not nearby, I like to bring my portable potty for my kids.

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.

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 Parking Lot

Categorized under "Family Friendly Hikes

Sunday, November 8, 2020

Become a Hero for a day at the Hall of Heroes- Wilbur D. May Museum, Reno.


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

Link to Wilbur D. May Museum website
Link to Volunteer Opportunities
Link to Facebook Page for latest updates
Link to Museum Event Space Rental Information
Link to Garden Wedding Rentals
Link to Pavilion Rental Information

Under normal circumstances, the Wilbur D. May Museum has plenty of themed exhibitions that change from time to time throughout the year.  The Hall of Heroes was only one of many that made its way to the museum, engaging Reno residents and testing their super-human abilities.

The exhibit had impressive figurines and activities that were interesting and fun.  The kids were amazed the whole time, being more and more eager for the next activity.  They were able to test their speed, get blown away by a super fan as if they were flying in the sky, test out their hanging capabilities and solve some puzzles that required some super-human thinking.  Just like all the other exhibits, you can expect lots of fun with these themed displays.  

The Wilbur D. May Museum is always thinking of ways to keep life interesting in Reno.  Me and my family always love supporting the museum, keeping it and the life of Wilbur D. May alive.  

This museum is the only museum in Nevada where you can find artifacts unique to the museum.  The artifacts are well preserved and displayed in a nice and organized manner, sorted out into different categories.  

Museums help spark interest, preserve history, help us learn how we came to be, and help us travel to places around the world that we may never otherwise have the chance to travel to.  Wilbur D. May is currently open to the public with lots of space to social distance and stay safe. It is rarely packed so no need to worry about big crowds.

The museum can be found in Rancho San Rafael Park, Reno's biggest and most dynamic park.  You can find more information about the park HERE in my other entry. 



 Categorized under "Museums"