Reno Moderate Hiking Group

Let's stroll around Virginia Lake before dinner (join when you wish between 3 and 5)pm, and set your own pace--mine is a stroll, lol). Meet at the Park at the NE corner (see attached map).

Let's hike this again, on an late Fall weekend of 2024.

Galena Creek National Recreation Area (http://www.galenacreekvisitorcenter.org/trail-info.html) offers many trails of various lengths, elevations and altitudes. One of our favorite moderately-paced walks is along Upper White's Creek , an out-back (approx. 1.5 miles each way= 3 Round Trip) (or continuing up to Dry Pond for the more energetic 2.1 x2=4.2). Some elevation gain is involved, rising from approx. 6200 to 6600 ft. However, this scenic hike will take a leisurely pace with breaks. https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/3/2/c/3/600_463032995.jpeg

Take Mt Rose Hwy (US 431) west from I-580, to Timberline Road (well-signed). Turn right (north) to the road on your left for White's Creek Trailhead. Map at https://www.galenacreekvisitorcenter.org/trail-info . Bring water, snacks, adequate hiking footwear, and sunscreen if desired.

# The Reno Dragon Lights Festival in Rancho San Rafael Park is beautiful as well as awesome for all ages. We'll meet at 5pm in the Dragon Lights Food Court and enter the viewing area at 530. We can stay after 8p if we wish too. There's also shopping and fun interactive spots. Buy your $20 tix online at https://dragonlightsreno.org/tickets/ .

From the site:
Dragon Lights Reno returns to the enchanting setting of Wilbur D. May Arboretum and Botanical Gardens in Rancho San Rafael Park. Embracing the shift in seasons, this year’s event unveils exciting new themes sure to captivate guests of all ages.

To celebrate the year of the dragon, our centerpiece boasts a magnificent 100-foot-long dragon soaring majestically through a cherry blossom forest. Guests are invited to wander through this breathtaking display, discovering the secrets hidden within the forest’s depths.Adding to the magic, a brand-new winter wonderland section has been introduced, reflecting the season transition. Here, visitors will see some lovely arctic creatures such as polar bears, puffins, and narwhals.

To elevate the experience, our local food vendors will tantalize taste buds with a diverse array of culinary delights and beverages available for purchase. This year, our menu has been expanded to include hot beverages, ensuring our guests stay cozy as they explore the wonders of Dragon Lights Reno.

Excellent fellow Organizer Christina added the following tips:

Plan to buy your ticket for 5:00 pm (meaning you can enter any time between 5:00 pm - 630 pm). We'll meet at 5:00 pm at the entrance to Dragon Lights. (There's usually an arch of some sort.) Outside food and drink (no alcoholic beverages) are allowed, so bring a dinner to eat or youi can buy something at one of the food vendors. We'll enter, then find a spot to eat, chat and get to know each other. (I know there are some picnic tables by the water.) Then when the sun goes down (about 6 pm), we can go through the exhibits.

TICKETS: Make sure to choose November 24th 5:00 pm entry. This means you must enter between 5 and 630, but you can stay up until they close if you want (and you can go through more than once). Tickets are $20 general admission and available online here: https://dragonlightsreno.org/tickets/ If you're a Greater Nevada Credit Union member, get $3 off your ticket with code GNCU23. Tickets can be purchased at the gate, but they're subject to availability and there's an upcharge of $5 - $15, so I'd recommend buying in advance online.

PARKING: By getting there earlier in the evening, parking should be better. There is free parking onsite on a first come first serve basis. Close up parking at the Wilbur D. May Center is reserved for ADA only. There is limited closeup parking at the arboretum parking lot, and more parking space at the south end of Rancho San Rafael Park. Please follow signs and instructions of the parking staff.

BRING: *Your ticket - They'll send you an e-mail with a downloadable pdf and they can scan your ticket from your phone. *Wear shoes for walking - The route is less than 1 mile and mostly even. *A dinner or money to purchase dinner from a food truck. *Your phone or camera - You'll probably want to take pictures and even video of the displays.

Let's spend a couple hours this beautiful late Fall strolling along the beautifully-landscaped blacktop walkways on the west side of the Caughlin Ranch area, up against the Sierras. Waterfowl, great Sierra views and relaxing environment, just the ticket for a weekend's end. Sunset 435pm. https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/5/d/e/600_464529694.jpeg

Directions: Take West McCarran to the southerly Caughlin Parkway (where Raley's shopping center is). Turn R/West (if coming south from I-80) and follow Caughlin Parkway past the shopping center, past Village Green Dr. intersection, then L at Turning Leaf Way, and park along the street (carefully) across from the blacktop easement between 4865 &4871.

We will walk up to about 3.5-4 miles RT to the Mayberry and McCarran underpass and Besty Caughlin Donnelly Park, then reverse or as short as the group makeup and timing prefers.

Let's walk along the beautiful Truckee River Walk. Being late Fall, we'll take a relaxing pace later in the hiking season. Meet at City Plaza's BELIEVE sculpture, park along Center or in the Cal-Neva lot. We'll head West as far as our energies take us and group preference, typically 1½-2 miles out, then reverse and enjoy a refreshment stop at Mo's on the River or Sierra Tap.

Let's stroll around Virginia Lake before dinner (join when you wish between 2 and 4pm), and set your own pace--mine is a stroll, lol). Meet at the Park at the NE corner (see attached map).

Winter holiday-time is usually beautiful. Our next walk is Bartley Ranch Regional Park. There numerous trail options and we'll pick one before the event. This is very moderate, under 2 miles, but can do more depending on the attendees. We'll meet at the Old School House as shown. Sunset is 602pm.
Website:
https://www.washoecounty.gov/parks/parks_and_trails/park_directory/truckee_river_district/bartley_ranch_regional_park.php

This is also cross-posted on another Meetup.

IMPORTANT change to meeting start!!
This particular Sunday, we'll start at 2pm at the flagpoles at the roundabout on the West side of the Marina, near the parking lots and Western Village, and then stroll counterclockwise partially around the beautiful Sparks Marina.

Text me if questions...(775) 225-8386.
Cross-posted on another meetup group.

Let's walk along the beautiful Truckee River Walk. Being Winter, we'll take a relaxing pace later in the hiking season. Meet at City Plaza's BELIEVE sculpture, park along Center or in the Cal-Neva lot. We'll head West as far as our energies take us and group preference, typically 1½-2 miles out, then reverse and enjoy a refreshment stop at Sierra Tap.

By request, the GSR Bowling Center has been beautifully rehabbed and is always good cold weather fun.🎳
Also has billards, a bar, and a cafe called Crossfire.
It's $14 per person.
Website: https://www.grandsierraresort.com/activities/bowling-center