Arrowcreek Park- A Small Great Park with Unique Play Structures, Great Views, and Access to Lower Thomas Creek Trail

2950 Arrowcreek Parkway

Reno, NV 89511

Park Ranger Office: (775) 849-2511

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Arrowcreek Park is nestled at a slightly higher elevation, offering stunning mountain views that make it a hidden gem. While it may not be the largest park, it truly delivers with fantastic play structures, a short scenic loop, and a delightful park vibe.

Arrowcreek Park isn’t widely known, making it a fantastic choice for those seeking a quieter spot. As one of the newer parks in the area, it features modern play equipment suitable for all ages, including both large and small play structures, bouncy seats, a climbing structure, a merry-go-round, and imaginative play features.

From the grassy area, you can soak in gorgeous views of aspens lining Lower Thomas Creek.  The hilly terrain adds a fun twist compared to the usual flat grassy spaces, making it perfect for keeping an eye on the kids as they play below.

Arrowcreek Park is beautifully maintained, making it a great spot to visit year-round. I recommend checking it out in the fall for breathtaking foliage, in spring when the wildflowers bloom, or in winter when the sun shines pleasantly on the snow-capped mountains.

If you’re short on time but still want to enjoy the area, my family often hikes a portion of the Lower Thomas Creek trail. We make our way to two large round containers (you can’t miss them) and then take a left on the flat dirt road back to the park. After about five minutes down, you’ll see the pavilion and can head back to the park.

The trail is soothing, with the sound of the creek running alongside it, and it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains in winter and vibrant fall leaves. It’s a short yet sweet trail that we love returning to time and again.

Click to Enlarge. The Lower Thomas Creek loop takes about 15-25 minutes. Start at Arrowcreek Park and follow the dotted line to the two white circles on the map, then turn left onto the dirt road back to the park.

Winter at Arrowcreek Park

If you're looking for a longer trek, Lower Thomas Creek Trail - 4.7-mile out-and-back trail best used from March until October (snow accumulation in the winter can make hiking difficult).

Lower Thomas Creek Out and Back Trail

Notes

-11 acres

-AccuWeather for hourly weather (temperature, wind, sun intensity, and precipitation) 

- In early spring, the trail can be covered in snow, leading to some slippery spots. In late spring, snowmelt can make the trail muddy.

-No restrooms available at the park

-BBQ & pavilion available on a first come, first served basis

-A few picnic tables and benches are spread throughout the park.

-Enjoy great views of the mountains.

-The park is great for photography, especially in the fall and spring (wildflowers).

-Download the AllTrails app to access more information, reviews, pictures, and directions for Lower Thomas Creek Trail. You can track yourself on their trail maps, reducing the risk of getting lost. Trail access is at the top of the grassy area of the park—look for the sign behind the bush.

-Horseback riding friendly.  Equestrian parking available.

-I like to bring my portable travel potty and liners everywhere I go, especially to parks without restrooms, so the kids can play without having to leave to find a toilet.

-Visit early in the morning or at sunset during hot summers.

Categorized under "Parks and Playgrounds" and "Family Friendly Hikes"

*Information subject to change. All opinion are my own.

Photography

© Katherine Fung

All rights reserved.

Phillip Annie Callahan Park- A Close Getaway Within Arms Reach

15960 Callahan Road

Reno, NV 89511

Park Ranger Office: 

(775) 849-2511

Website

Phillip Annie Callahan Park is a hidden gem tucked away in a serene forest next to Mt. Rose Highway. I stumbled upon this park while searching for family-friendly spots to enjoy during the summer. I couldn’t believe such a beautiful place had remained a secret for so long. Over the years I’ve been visiting, it’s always been a low-key and peaceful retreat, likely because many people head straight to the nearby Galena Regional Park instead.

Although it’s on the smaller side, the park is packed with charm. It features a pavilion, limited paved pathways, two play structures, some grassy areas, and a handful of picnic tables. 

A lovely creek runs alongside the park, providing a refreshing alternative to swimming, especially during those hot summer days.  One of my family's favorite activities is bringing along floating toys like rubber ducks or toy boats and watching them float down the creek. 

Shade is abundant here, and there’s a short loop trail perfect for beginner hikers, all while being serenaded by the soothing sounds of the creek. There’s truly nothing better than hiking in the shade with the gentle sound of water nearby.

To access the short loop, head past the end of the paved path into the dirt area and towards the forest. Keep going until you find a bridge, then turn right onto the bridge (picture) that leads back to Callahan Park. The trail ends at the parking lot for the Galena Creek Trail, which is just a short walk from the park.  The short loop is simple, short, and sweet.

This charming park is a go-to for summer fun, hiking, picnicking, and small gatherings. 

Access Galena Creek Trail from the park. 4.7 mile Out and Back. 774 ft. elevation gain.

History 

Phillip and Annie Callahan Park is a hidden gem honoring the Callahan family, who donated 25 acres for its creation. The park's history dates back to Nevada’s early settlement, particularly during the Comstock Lode boom in nearby Virginia City. Matthew Callahan arrived in 1863 from England, establishing a brickyard that supplied bricks for significant local structures. When demand for bricks declined, the family shifted to dairy farming in Galena, producing a variety of crops and fruits.

Phil Callahan, Matthew’s son, helped establish a school in Galena using materials from their land. The historic Galena Creek Schoolhouse, now part of the park and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was once home to Nevada's famous poet Joanne de Longchamps. Today, as you explore the park, you can appreciate its serene beauty while reflecting on its rich history.

Notes

-Beautiful golden foliage in the fall

-Ample shade in the summer

-Small play structure is shaded; the larger one has partial shade, with swings for both big and small kids

-Wildflowers & wildlife

-Ideal for picnics and photo shoots

-The downward slope pathway next to the parking lot is a favorite spot for kids to ride their plasma cars & bikes

-Horse and dog-friendly, with poop bags available at the parking lot

-Mountain biking paths and horseshoe pits available

-The pavilion includes a BBQ pit and is available on a first-come, first-served basis

-Water fountain and benches available throughout the park

-Download the AllTrails app for detailed reviews, trail information, photos, and directions to Galena Creek Trail. The app also helps navigate so you won’t get lost.

-While there are no restrooms at the park, you can find a porta-potty at the Galena Creek Trailhead, just a two-minute walk toward Mt. Rose Highway. 

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