3584-3694 Joy Lake Road
Reno, NV 89511
AllTrails Map
***Trail currently closed due to Davis Fire***
Brown's Creek Snapshot
If you’re looking for a beautiful outdoor escape near Reno, Brown's Creek Trail is the place to be. This scenic hike features stunning views, vibrant wildflowers, and the soothing sounds of the creek. It’s perfect for families and anyone who loves nature. With its diverse terrain and breathtaking surroundings, it’s a rewarding adventure that showcases the beauty of our area and creates unforgettable memories in the great outdoors.
Moderate
4.8 mi. loop
2hr 25mins. estimated time
I'm always on the lookout for hikes near Reno that are beautiful, and since my kids were getting more skilled and interested in hitting the trails, I decided to push our limits with a longer hike. Usually, we stick to 2-mile trails, so tackling 4.8 miles felt like a bit of a stretch with a 5, 6, and 1-year-old in tow. But if there's one thing I've learned in life, it's that we humans are capable of so much more than we think.
The first part of the trail, before you reach the loop, weaves through the woods with a gentle uphill slope (over about a mile). You’ll hit the first fork, which is definitely worth a stop—the Vista (just a couple of minutes away). Here, you’ll find a bench, breathtaking views, and an educational sign about a former family attraction called Sundown Town. The second fork marks the beginning of the loop (not far from the Vista). If you take the left side, you’ll tackle the steeper part of the loop; opt for the right if you want a bit more of a challenge.
There are three small bridges that cross the creek. We took a break at the first bridge so the kids could dip their toes in and have some fun. It was so nice, with plenty of trees providing shade. After crossing the second bridge, you’ll arrive at the third fork. We took a wrong turn at this fork, heading straight into the “National Forest” (the loop sign was a bit farther up and faced the wrong way) and ended up hiking an extra 1.5 miles. Once we realized we were off track, we retraced our steps and found the sign. Instead of going straight, make sure to head upward and to the right to stay on course. After the third fork, we crossed the final bridge and made our way back to the parking lot.
In total, we covered about 8.5 miles, and it was such an empowering and rewarding journey. My family and I met plenty of friendly dogs, admired stunning wildflowers, and encountered many kind people along the way.
We set off on what turned out to be one of the most beautiful, challenging, and rewarding hikes. The trail was filled with stunning views and varied terrains. Wandering through the Galena forest and crossing tranquil Brown's Creek was incredibly refreshing. I can't recommend this hike enough.
Notes
-Ever since getting lost, I make sure to use AllTrails to track my hikes.
-Dogs, horses, and cyclists are allowed on the trail.
-Enter the Galena Estates to find the trail entrance parking lot on the left side of Joy Lake Road.
-The trail entrance is across the street-
-Bring plenty of water
-If hiking with kids, pack lots of snacks. I also brought a portable toilet for the kids, along with sunscreen & hand sanitizer.
-There’s plenty of shade throughout the hike, but there are also exposed areas.
-Have your phone handy for emergencies.
-Alcohol pads and band-aids for unexpected scrapes
-Good footwear highly recommended
-hiking poles may come in handy for those looking for more stability
-lots of vegetation, lizards, and insects to look at.
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| Pick right side for more of a challenge to go up steep left side at end of loop. Left side to go down steeper side. |
Categorized Under Family Friendly Hikes and Scenic Overlooks
*Information subject to change. All opinions are my own.
Photography
© Katherine Fung,
All rights reserved.
