Washoe County Regional Parks and Open Space

Regional Parks and Open Space is part of Washoe County's Community Services Department. Our mission is to provide exceptional parks, open space and recreational opportunities while preserving our natural, historical and cultural resources. Washoe County manages over 12,000 acres including over 10,000 acres of open space, 49 parks, an Arboretum, developed trails, trailheads, athletic fields, golf courses, a campground, a shooting facility, an archery facility, a museum, and so much more! If you have a favorite outdoor activity, chances are it can be done in a Washoe County Park! For more information, view our Park Guide.
 

Highlights & Current Events 

***PLEASE NOTE TIME CHANGE TO 5:30PM***
1st & 3rd Tuesdays thru Oct. 4, 5:30pm
Various Washoe County Parks

Join Washoe County Manager John Slaughter as he embarks on a series of hikes to soak up the sights and sounds at Washoe County parks this summer during the inaugural Walk With Washoe. Washoe County is encouraging people to get outside to explore the outdoors and experience the physical and mental health benefits of exercise. As an added benefit, all of the hikes are part of the Truckee Meadows Trail Challenge, which is a Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation program. See the full schedule of hikes.

   

Enjoy free family fun at the Washoe Valley Cider Squeeze

Saturday, October 15, 2016, 11:30am-4:00pm
Bowers Mansion Regional Park, Comstock Pavilion
4006 Old US 395 North, North Washoe Valley

A taste of history, entertainment, education, and more will be found at the Washoe Valley Cider Squeeze. Attendees will be able to watch and participate in a demonstration of how apples are made into juice and will get to sample apples and fresh-pressed cider. Other activities include a historical portrayal of Lady Caroline who entertains and educates with her handmade vintage costumes and stories of Nevada history. The Bowers Mansion will also be open to the public for tours. Admission to the event and parking are free. Children and picnics are welcome, however dogs are not permitted at Bowers Mansion park.

The popular Ranching at Rancho series has returned!

Most Saturdays thru Nov. 20
10:00am - 1:00pm
Rancho San Rafael Park - Nevada Farms & Families Area
1595 N. Sierra Street, Reno

Bring the family for a fun, free ranching themed open house in the main barn area. Each week features a new theme from goats to tractors and everything else in between. Visit with our resident chickens and turkeys, cool off inside the Discovery Room, or your little one can enjoy a horse or pony ride for only $5 with Lorie's Pony Express! Themed Ranching at Rancho activities will only be offered on most Saturdays, but the Discovery Room and pony rides are available Saturdays and Sundays between 10am-1pm most weeks. Please check this page and Facebook for notifications of cancellations.

 

Programming at the Galena Creek Visitor Center

Ongoing throughout the year
Galena Creek Regional Park
18250 Mt. Rose Hwy, Reno

The Galena Creek Visitor Center is a partnership between Washoe County, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Great Basin Institute. The goal of the visitor center is to encourage understanding, appreciation and appropriate use of the natural, cultural and historic resources of the Galena Canyon area and the Mount Rose Scenic Byway. Check their website often or call 775-849-4948 for a listing of upcoming events including weekly guided hikes, monthly toddler time, and special Sunday morning programming.

 

Carson Sierra Spinners and Weavers Guild Demonstrations & Historic Huffaker School Open House

Select Saturdays throughout 2016
Historic Huffaker School House
Bartley Ranch Regional Park
6000 Bartley Ranch Road, Reno

The Carson Sierra Spinners and Weavers Guild are a group of local craft artists that promote appreciation and knowledge of fiber arts in our community through demonstration, and encourage others to take up spinning and weaving to keep the fiber arts alive. The Historic Huffaker School will be open between 9am and 3pm for viewing of live demonstrations by the Spinners and Weavers, and for self guided tours. Park Rangers will be offering guided tours of the historic school house at 1pm. Dates include Jan. 9, Feb. 13, Mar. 12, Apr. 9, Oct. 8, Nov. 12, and Dec. 10, 2016. This is a free event.

 

The Hawkins Amphitheater at Bartley Ranch Regional Park hosts several exciting events throughout the summer and fall seasons. Click here for a 2016 schedule. 

 

Announcements

Bridge Construction over Whites Creek

Attention Trail Users: During construction of a new bridge over Whites Creek, there will be a temporary trail closure along Whites Creek Trail to ensure trail user safety.  The closure is between Chartreuse Court and Mountain Ranch Road, roughly ½ mile.  Trail users will be directed to use Paris Avenue as a detour. View a map of the trail closure and detour. Construction should be completed in early winter and signs/fencing will be removed once it is safe to have the trail re-opened.  If you have questions/concerns, please contact Cheryl Surface at (775) 328-2039. Thank you for your patience. 

Updated Truckee Meadows Trails Guides are now available

Washoe County Regional Parks and Open Space is excited to present then new Truckee Meadows Trail Guide featuring two additional trails: Ballardini Ranch Trail system and the Sugarloaf Trail. The 66-page guide features a variety of photos taken from various trails in the area, maps and a brief synopsis describing what each trail has to offer hikers. The guides can be downloaded here, or picked up at local bike shops, visitor centers, Scheels and Cabela's as well as Washoe County, City of Reno, and City of Sparks owned buildings. For complete details, view the press release.
 

Temporary Arboretum Closure for "Party in the Garden"

The May Arboretum located at Rancho San Rafael Park will close for the day starting at 2:00pm on September 25, 2016. The closure will occur for the May Arboretum Society's annual "Party in the Garden" event featuring food, drink, and live music. For more information, and to purchase tickets, visit the May Arboretum Society website.

Pickleball courts have made their debut at Hidden Valley Regional Park

These recently-completed pickleball courts are the first permanent courts available in Washoe County's park system. A grant to resurface numerous hard courts throughout Washoe County, including Hidden Valley, provided a great opportunity for residents who had previously been using portable nets. Hidden Valley originally had two tennis courts, but during the resurfacing project one of the courts was converted into four permanent pickleball courts. View the press release for more info on the rapidly growing sport of pickleball and the new courts.

Betsy Caughlin Donnelley Park Pasture Restoration

Betsy Caughlin Donnelley Park is currently undergoing pasture restoration due to effects of the drought.  During this process it is necessary to restrict public access to the pastures to ensure seed germination and new growth of the pasture grasses.  We thank you for your patience and understanding. 

Please see our complete list of other parks for your on and off-leash dog needs.  Click here.

For questions, please contact Parks Staff at (775) 828-6612.

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