Best Parks in Reno

Reno is an outdoor lover’s paradise. Nestled beneath the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the city offers activities for all four seasons. Whether you’re into hiking, mountain biking, off-roading, skiing, or kayaking, you can do it all in Reno. Lake Tahoe and Mt. Rose are popular destinations, but there are also several parks within the city to satisfy your energy. Check out the five best Reno parks that put you in the great outdoors without having to leave the city!

Idlewild Park

This neighborhood park is located near Downtown Reno, along the Truckee River. Idlewild Park is nearly 50 acres and provides visitors with a rose garden, two playgrounds, duck ponds, swimming pool, and skate park. The park hosts the annual Reno Earth Day celebration and food truck events during the summer. Bring the whole family—pets included!—for fresh air and beautiful scenery.

Rancho San Rafael Regional Park

This local favorite is the largest park in Reno. It sits on the site of a former ranch and features wetlands, hiking/biking trails, horseshoe pits, the Chinese Pagoda picnic pavilion, volleyball courts, and a huge off-leash dog park. The park is also home to three cultural/educational centers: the May Museum and Arboretum, and historic Ranch House. You’ll find Rancho San Rafael on 1595 North Sierra Street.

Bartley Ranch Regional Park

This unique, 56-acre park features buildings from the old wild west, including a schoolhouse. The park also has a Western Heritage Interpretive Center with rotating exhibits year-round. The amphitheater hosts concerts and performances throughout the year. But the park also lets you get in tune with nature. There’s something for everyone here: nature watching, hiking, walking, and picnicking.

Dorostkar Park

It may be smaller than the other parks around town, but Dorostkar Park makes up for it in natural beauty and tranquility. Visitors find lush vegetation, peaceful walking trails, and easy access to the Truckee River. The park is a popular spot for dog walkers, hikers, bikers, fishermen, bird watchers, and picnickers.

Hidden Valley Regional Park

Hidden Valley is a huge park at 480 acres, with only 65 acres developed. There’s a horse arena, picnic shelters, two tennis courts, volleyball court, two playgrounds, an off-leash dog park, and a collection of trails shared by hikers, bikers, and equestrians. The park is located in southeast Reno and provides plenty of room to roam, relax with loved ones, or go exploring in one of the many trails.