Underrated National Forest Hikes in Nevada That Rival Great Basin National Park Hikes

Home to the 13,063-foot Wheeler Peak, desert, valleys, caves, and more, the 77,180-acre Great Basin National Park provides endless opportunities for visitors to explore diverse landscapes. While this is an excellent national park, and underrated at that, seeing only around 140,000 visitors each year, if you happen to be looking for another area to hike, Nevada is also home to the largest national forest in the contiguous United States. At 6.3 million acres, the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest has over 2,000 miles of trails to explore it all. While both the national park and national forest have incredible trails that any outdoor adventurer will love, here are a few in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest that rival those in Great Basin National Park:

1. Ophir Creek Loop (Tahoe Meadows)

A moderate 3.1-mile jaunt through the woods and Tahoe Meadows, past wildflowers and creeks, and over boardwalks, the Ophir Creek Loop is a crowd favorite. Bring the kids, bring the dog — this trail is quite family-friendly. And the views are spectacular! This may be one of the best hikes in Nevada.

2. Rose Knob Peak

Within the national forest's Mount Rose Wilderness, this trail takes you to the 9,620-foot summit of Rose Knob Peak. With an elevation gain of 1,489 feet and a length of 5.1 miles, this is one trail you should be in good physical condition to tackle and prepare gear for. Wear sturdy hiking boots as there are steep and rocky sections, but the views are absolutely worth the climb once you get to the top!

3. Tom Cooke and Steamboat Ditch Trail

The 5.3-mile Tom Cooke and Steamboat Ditch Trail just outside of Reno is moderately rated, and its gradual climb along switchbacks offers valley and mountain views. However, there is no shade, so bring sun protection and more water than you think you'll need, and start your journey early in the morning. One of the best parts of the trail is the creek, and another is the wildflowers you'll see along the way, depending on the time of year, of course.

4. Raintree Trail

Considered a hard trail best for seasoned hikers (not novices), the 5-mile Raintree Trail in the Mount Charleston Wilderness offers a high altitude and views galore. Hiking poles are recommended to help with the steep climb, with an overall elevation gain of over 1,700 feet. The well-marked trail has switchbacks along the way and lovely bristlecone pines that only enhance the beauty of this trek.

5. Tamarack Peak Loop

The Tamarack Peak Loop trail not only circumnavigates Tamarack Peak, but about halfway along the trek, there's one can't-miss feature — a waterfall! As if that wasn't enough, you'll have views of Lake Tahoe at certain points, and, come springtime, colorful wildflower blooms will create an added appeal to this already magnificent trail.

Have you hiked any of these trails in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest? If you have a favorite trail within this national forest or Great Basin National Park, please tell us about it through our nomination page. For more hiking trails, check out the best hiking trails in Nevada.