Hiking Tom Cooke in Reno

Hike A Fall Classic

Hike a Fall Classic in Reno Tahoe

Reno hit the jackpot with its well-planned urban trail system, including the Tom Cooke Trail adjacent to the Truckee River. Used by hikers and mountain bikers, the trail is also dog-friendly, and popular with Reno locals.

The trail is striking in fall, with golden tones streaming over the landscape, accentuated by the season’s low-lying sun.

Check out the trailhead map and go on a short loop hike (the Tom Cooke Steamboat Ditch Loop is roughly 4 miles all in). While this trail isn’t ADA accessible, nearby Mayberry Park has a paved path paralleling the river.

Between Reno and Carson City, Washoe Lake State Park could be the opening scene in an epic western film—with wild horses in meadows and a trifecta of mountain ranges (Sierra Nevada, Carson, Virginia) reflected on the lake. Sandy Beaches Park is a nice spot for a picnic or a dog-friendly waterside wander.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES IN RENO TAHOE

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Afternoon on the Island

    What is it about tiny islands in the middle of lakes? There’s something that just draws you in. It’s even more fun when getting there is half the adventure because you have to reach it by canoe, kayak, paddleboat, or a ranger-guided boat tour!

    View
  2. Golden Gate's Blue Heron

    Golden Gate Park’s Blue Heron Lake is home to birds of many feathers, turtles lounging on rocks, visitors from afar, and locals who love this urban oasis in San Francisco. Try the "Boats and Breakfast" rowboat or pedal boat deal.

    View
  3. This Is Paradise

    Granite mountain-scape, superb sunset views, crystal lakes, and shoreline campsites … the trip to Paradise Lake in Tahoe National Forest lives up to its idyllic name.

    View
  4. Aloha from California

    Say Aloha without leaving California with a 7-mile out-and-back hiking adventure to Lake Aloha in El Dorado National Forest. You can also camp here, a premier place for stargazing.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Walking the Los Angeles River Trail Through Frogtown

    Frogtown Strutter’s Stroll

    Don’t go dismissing the Los Angeles River as merely a 51-mile concrete channel. It’s a genuine urban artery that links real neighborhoods, and its riverside bike/ped paths endear i

    View
  2. Coming Up Roses

    Looking to spice up your hiking life? Give your partner a rose—Mount Rose! The 10-mile out-and-back peak hike goes up to one of the grandest views in all of Lake Tahoe. Get ready f

    View
  3. Underground Garden

    Looking to escape the summer heat? Head to Fresno and discover its cool secret: the Forestiere Underground Gardens–an enchanting garden and architecture oasis like no other.

    View
  4. Sequoia Re-opens Crystal Cave

    Step inside Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park's hidden world by visiting the newly re-opened Crystal Cave—the only cave in the parks open to the public. Closed for four years, this rare marble karst cavern is welcoming visitors once again, but only through the summer season!

    View