Take A Short and Scenic Stroll by the Truckee River at the Oxbow Nature Study Center

3100 Dickerson Road

Reno NV 89503

Hours: 
Open Year-Round from 8AM to 4pm

(The gates close, so make sure to head out before they lock up.)

Website
Yelp

Oxbow Nature Study Area is a 22-acre conservation spot in Reno, perfect for families or anyone looking to escape into nature without actually leaving the city.

Highlights

-Beautiful scenery

-Tranquility

-Wildlife

-Picnic-worthy spots

-Soothing sounds of nature

-Fun 0.8-mile loop trail

-Partial shade from trees

-Right next to the Truckee River

-Visitor’s center

When I first visited this park years ago, I immediately fell in love with the whole vibe. The towering trees, the winding ramps, the interpretive signs that make you pause and learn something new, the visitor center, wildlife, picnic tables, and the peaceful sounds of nature—all nestled right by the Truckee River. 

Growing up, some of my best memories were with my grandma, walking in parks near my house. We'd sit around, relax, snack, and just enjoy being together. Those were the moments of peace and connection that I knew I wanted to share with my own kids.

Parks like Oxbow have become my favorite for that reason—they’re the perfect backdrop for building memories, just like the ones I had with my grandparents.

The Oxbow Nature Study Area is truly the best place for a quick escape from the city. It’s somewhere you can just relax, take a breath, and really soak in Reno’s natural beauty.

NOTES

-No dogs allowed

-Restrooms and a water fountain are available during park hours

-Benches are scattered around the visitor's center & along the trail, with a couple right by the river. 

-To get to the deck by the river, take the path all the way to the left, opposite of the education exhibit next to the observation deck

-The trail has lots of shady spots, which is a huge plus, especially during Reno’s hot summers 

-I had no issues navigating the trail with my stroller, but after rain, it can get a bit muddy. Toward the end of the trail, there’s a log bridge that isn’t stroller or wheelchair-friendly, so it’s best to turn back before that

Pictures taken during winter, 2020

Categorized under "Parks and Playgrounds, Family Friendly Hiking and Picnic Spots"

Take A Beautiful, Short and Educational hike at Tahoe Meadows Interpretive Loop

*DIRECTIONS

*Track your position on the trail with AllTrails (reception needed):

Tahoe Meadows Interpretive Loop

*Reviews on Yelp

Snapshot

Tahoe Meadows Interpretive Loop is a must-visit for its easy, family-friendly trail with stunning views and plenty of wildflowers in the spring. The flat, stroller-friendly path makes it perfect for everyone, and the fresh mountain air just fills your lungs with life. It’s the kind of place where you can unwind, let the kids explore, and soak in the natural beauty—all just a short drive from Reno just past Mt. Rose Summit parking lot.

After having my first baby, I was on a mission to find the perfect spot for a family walk—somewhere beautiful in nature with great views, a short and stroller-friendly trail, some shade, and easy access. I was thrilled when I discovered Tahoe Meadows, and over the years, it has remained one of our favorite family hikes.

Tahoe Meadows offers a trail that's not only enjoyable but also packed with nature for the kids to explore. The interpretive signs add a nice educational touch, and in spring, the wildflowers are in full bloom, accompanied by the soothing sounds of babbling brooks and chirping insects.

Getting There:

Parking is available just past the Mt. Rose Summit Trail parking lot on the left as you head toward Tahoe. If the gates are open, drive downhill until you see the restrooms. If the gates are closed, you can park in the lot just outside the gates, closer to the street, which is a short walk from the entrance.

Best Time to Visit: 

Tahoe Meadows is best enjoyed from May until October, as snow accumulation in winter can make the trail difficult to navigate. 

Nearby:

For those seeking a more intense hike, the Mt. Rose Summit Trail (10.7 miles) is just a few minutes back toward Reno and is well worth the effort for its stunning views.

Notes

-About a 30-minute scenic drive up the mountain toward Lake Tahoe from South Reno.

-Stroller, kid, wheelchair, and dog-friendly.

-Fairly flat, 1.3-mile loop with a 49-foot elevation gain.

-Restrooms available seasonally.

-Partial shade.

-Great for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the winter (check weather and road conditions before heading out; chains may be needed).

-Popular spot for photoshoots due to its picturesque views.

-Family-friendly sledding spot across the street in winter.

-The AllTrails app is a great resource for information, directions, and reviews.

-Paths can get muddy when the weather is wet.

Recommended Gear

-Sunscreen (after trying so many options, this is my family's favorite)

-Water Bottle (definitely a must in Reno's dry climate)

-Portable potty & Liners (priceless gadget that makes any hike with kids a breeze)

-hiking backpack (great view for kids, storage, nap friendly, shade)

-carrier (more afordable, light weight, shade, storage for keys)

*As an Amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Categorized under "Family Friendly Hikes"