Waterfall Hunter
Hike to Reno's Marquee Hunter Creek Falls
If you ask a local in Reno about one of the best hiking trails in town, odds are high they’ll point you to Hunter Creek Falls. It’s a year-round favorite, but it absolutely shines in spring, when desert peach wildflowers make a splash—and so does the marquee waterfall.
The 6-mile (round-trip) hike to this flowing treasure traverses delightfully varied terrain: rugged, exposed canyon; rocky amber hills; pops of peach-colored florals; and stretches where the creek churns beside you. As you get closer to the falls, the landscape shifts dramatically and sugar pines begin towering around you.
You’ll hear the falls before you see them. It can be tempting to follow a spur trail once you start wondering, Where are the falls? But stay on the main trail and you’ll eventually reach a creek crossing on your left. There’s a rope for balance as you make your way across a section of fallen trees and logs.
Most people navigate the crossing without much fanfare; just be mindful of your footing and take your time.
Once across, you’re just steps from Hunter Creek Falls: a double-tiered tumbler flowing in healthy form. Enjoy the mist on your face as you take in one of Reno’s finest liquid assets.
On the return journey, enjoy beautiful views of downtown Reno flanked by mountains. Now that’s some splash!
