Gallivant in Galena

Snowshoe Galena Creek Regional Park in Reno

Get your fill of winter thrills just a few miles from downtown Reno in Galena Creek Regional Park. The park is full of trails, but Jones Creek Loop makes an easy 1.7-mile route, set to the soundtrack of crunching snow. It’s perfect for novices, and for those seeking a quick adventure close to downtown Reno, which has emerged as a revamped and rapidly developing artisan haven of craft brew and gourmet restaurants.

Begin at the Jones Creek Trailhead and follow the trail heading east. Situated uniquely at the intersection of alpine forest and high desert landscape, sagebrush grows next to Jeffrey pines. A lot of locals enjoy this trail, even decorating the pine trees with festive ornaments during the holidays. The trail climbs up, following alongside quaint Jones Creek with white-barked aspens growing at its banks.

This trail intersects with the 9-mile Jones White Creek Loop, so make sure to follow signs closely and stay on the Jones Creek Loop Trail. After a mile, you’ll come to a small creek crossing and start heading downhill through wintry forest, with plenty of room to frolic along the way. Go ahead, gallivant in Galena!

Park at the USFS Jones Creek Trailhead in Galena Creek Regional Park, off Mt. Rose Hwy. To get to the USFS Jones Creek Trailhead drive 0.4 mile southwest, past the Galena Creek Visitor Center. Snowshoes can be rented at Galena Sport ($12 per day). Dog-friendly!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Woman walking down the stairs overlooking the ocean on the Coastal Trail in San Francisco

    America's Best Urban Hike

    Long ago we dubbed it the “Grand Walk” and said it was one of the most scenic and stunning trails in the West. We were wrong. This is the most scenic urban hike in America!

    View
  2. Hike or Bike the Skyline

    A new section of the Bay Area Ridge Trail is open for biking, hiking, or horseback riding along the 12-mile (out-and-back) Skyline Watershed Ridge Trail.

    View
  3. Hiker on the SCA trail in Marin Headlands with view of the Golden Gate Bridge

    Headlands Over Heels

    People come from all over the world to get a glimpse of the Golden Gate Bridge. Get a dramatic and novel view of the bridge without all the people on this moderate 6-mile hike in the Marin Headlands.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Lagoon Swoon

    We all love an underdog story, especially in the shadow of the greats. Enter a truly SoCal coastal version: Malibu Lagoon State Beach. Though situated next to Surfrider Beach, a fa

    View
  2. Sponsored

    Extra-Celestial Central Oregon

    Some trips promise you the moon and the stars. And this one delivers in a big way, plus throws in some extra planets for your viewing pleasure. From Bend, Sunriver, and Sisters to Antelope Basecamp in the remote high desert.

    View
  3. Tree Town

    Home to an estimated 21,000 trees and 100 acres of parkland, South Pasadena has earned its nickname: the City of Trees. This 2.5-mile neighborhood walk lets you experience its leafy canopy up close, winding through charming streets and three of the city’s beloved parks.

    View