As summer comes to an end, the weather is perfect for hiking near Reno to see fall colors. Surrounded by the Sierra Nevadas, Northern Nevada offers some of the best backcountry and hiking trails for leaf-peeping. From canyons filled with aspen trees to phenomenal views of the Lake Tahoe Basin, you can experience fall landscapes like never before. Keep reading to find out how.
Fall Hiking Near Reno You Need To Try
Brown’s Creek Loop Trail
If you’re looking for fall hiking near Reno, then Brown’s Creek Loop Trail is the perfect trail for you. This moderate five-mile hiking trail features the exceptional sights and sounds of Mount Rose Wilderness. From incredible viewpoints to bird watching to forest bathing, there are activities for everyone to enjoy. So, grab your hiking boots and four-legged friends. Dogs and horses are welcome.
Galena Creek Trail
Located at the base of Mount Rose, Galena Creek Trail is perfect for a leisurely morning or afternoon hike. This 4.7-mile trail is heavily trafficked and features whispering aspen and pine trees, manzanita bushes, and a snow-fed creek. You can also experience what it’s like to live in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest as the route travels west through local neighborhoods and borders the Montreux Golf Course.
Hunter Creek Trail
A popular destination for hiking near Reno, this 6.4-mile trail is well-maintained and suitable for the whole family. Hunter Creek Trail features the diverse range of vegetation that Northern Nevada has to offer. With a 1,240-foot elevation gain, this moderate to advanced route runs alongside a canyon and ends at a 30-foot waterfall. Bring sunscreen and plenty of water, as there isn’t much shade until you reach the top.
Marlette Lake Trail
This 10.2-mile trail from Spooner Lake offers hiking near Reno as you’ve never experienced before. Nestled in the Lake Tahoe Basin, Marlette Lake Trail features more than 12,000 acres of forested land. As one of the most popular backcountry trails in the area, there are many excellent opportunities for adventure. Marlette Lake is a brooding lake for rainbow and cutthroat trout. So, don’t forget your fishing pole at home!
Upper Thomas Creek Trail
Experience stunning fall colors with a 14.7-mile hike at Upper Thomas Creek Trail. Located in southwest Reno, this trail is perfect for an all-day adventure or place to walk the dogs. Thomas Creek runs parallel to the route and provides plenty of opportunities for water and snack breaks. With river crossings and alleyways of aspen trees, we can almost guarantee that you’ll leave feeling refreshed and at one with nature.
