The trail begins at a well designated parking area complete with a water fountain, picnic table, kiosk and restrooms. To begin the Hunter Creek Trail, follow the trail down to the creek and continue left over the bridge. This is a very well marked trail with no other trail intersections along the way making it easy to navigate. The trail is only shaded the last part of the way as you begin making your way to the beautiful waterfall at the end.
This route is considered moderately challenging with approximately 1,000 feet gradual elevation gain and is very narrow. There are several areas of fallen rock to navigate, but they are mostly flat and fairly wide.
Plenty of people use this trail and bring their dogs so please keep your dog on a leash. If you plan to hike this trail during late afternoon, bring plenty of water as the trail is exposed and becomes very hot.
This area is a known to have rattlesnakes, mountain lions and black bears, so if you do bring your dog, please keep the pup on-leash. There is a large diversity of native wildflowers, shrubs, and trees as well many different species of birds, lizards, and small mammals. Be sure to visit in the fall and see the trees and shrubs change color to beautiful shades of red, orange and yellow.
Pack plenty of water and sunscreen as well as bring a hat. This trail can become very hot in the summer and fall months.
A connector trail connects the Hunter Creek trailhead with the steamboat ditch trail.
Lodging and other services are located in Reno.
Visit the Washoe County Parks and Open Spaces website for more local trails.
For additional information visit the Washoe County Parks and Open Space website or contact:
Download map files for your own use.
The trailhead and parking are located at the Hunter D Thompson Trailhead. An overflow lot is located just above the main parking lot.
Bear activity is high in this area. Keep (people) (pets) (property) safe. Keep bears wild. For more information on the BearWise campaign, visit the Recreate Responsibly page, or click on this link to learn how to be BearWise in the outdoors.
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