HAPPY TRAILS IN SOUTH RENO

Winter isn’t over, but some brave South Renoites have been out and about for fresh air and exercise, even on cold, windy days.  Neighborhoods such as Damonte Ranch and Double Diamond Ranch offer lots of space for kids to play and for residents of all ages to roam paved or gravel trails throughout the wetlands.

Of course, there are sidewalks on a long stretch of  Veterans Parkway in South Reno and many people use those for walking, jogging and biking.  But trails are also easily accessible from locations such as Damonte Ranch Park, 1950 Steamboat Pkwy. and Comstock Park, at the intersection of Double Diamond Parkway and Carat Avenue.

Damonte Ranch Park

Comstock Park

This time of year, the landscape is often a little bleak.  

Damonte Ranch Park

Yet there’s no excuse not to walk for good health — or to observe nature — with so many trails close to home.

Trails and wetlands near Comstock Park

“Truckee Meadows Trails: Your guide to trails in Reno, Sparks and Washoe County, including parts of northeast Lake Tahoe” (a publication of the RGJ Custom Publishing Group) is a handy resource for finding trails and identifying those which are best suited to your fitness level.  

Many of the trails are flat and easy to navigate.  Others are steep and/or not well-marked, so they may not be wise choices for inexperienced hikers.

The guide also explains  which trails allow bicycles, horseback riding or dogs on leashes and which have picnic facilities, restrooms or other amenities.  And there are pages with safety tips and rules while using the trails.  (Stay hydrated, dress in layers, don't pick the flowers, don't disturb wildlife, etc.)

I found a copy of the “Truckee Meadows Trails” booklet at Bartley Ranch Regional Park, 6000 Bartley Ranch Rd. 

You can also view the guide online at http://www.washoecounty.us/repository/files/28/TrailsGuideFinal.pdf .

Funding for the guide was provided by a Federal Highway Administration Recreational Trails Program grant, with additional support from Reno-Sparks Convention & Visitors Authority, Saint Mary's Regional Medical Center and Scheels.

Happy trails to you!