You never know what type of treasures you’ll come across at the end of a Nevada hiking trail. However, nothing pays off more than arriving at a stunning waterfall at the end of your hike! This lovely hiking trail takes you through some beautiful scenery, but it’s the end destination that attracts hikers from all over the state. Flowing at full-force and surrounded by a perfectly shaded landscape, the view of this waterfall at the end is the perfect reward after completing this trail. Treat yourself to a satisfying adventure and plan to accomplish this waterfall hike soon!
There are some hiking trails in our state that are simply a must for Nevadans—adventures that every nature lover in our state should experience at least once. The Hunter Creek Trail near Reno is one of them, so be sure to add it to your to-do list.
This 5.7-mile trail is a popular experience for locals, and for good reason! It leads you straight to the most gorgeous 30-foot waterfall. It's well-marked and easy to follow, making it great for hikers of all skill levels.
The trailhead can be found within the Mt. Rose Wilderness and it's pretty well managed, complete with restrooms and a parking area. You'll immediately start climbing away from the noise of the nearby city as you set off on the trail.
As you continue the climb into the hills, you'll be treated to views of Hunter Creek below and the Reno skyline far off in the distance. It's an absolutely gorgeous setting, but be aware that there is little to no shade along the way. Come prepared for extreme conditions on those hot summer days.
The hike itself is considered moderate—not too hard but not too easy. You'll be steadily climbing the entire way to the falls, but it's very gradual. You'll start to meander into a shaded woodsy area approximately two miles into the trail.
Soon you'll cross Hunter Creek and be led into a covered clearing where the waterfall is located. It's definitely an impressive sight. There is a small pool around the base of the falls during the summer, and the water is perfectly cool and refreshing.
The area around the waterfall is an ideal spot to rest and enjoy a snack while taking in the waterfall's spectacular beauty. If you weren't from around here, you'd never guess that such a beautiful natural wonder was hiding out just outside of Reno!
The trek back is definitely more easygoing since it's mostly downhill. All in all, you can expect to spend around three hours journeying to and from the waterfall. For a quick escape from the city, the Hunter Creek Trail is simply a must.
