Rancho San Rafael Regional Park
1595 North Sierra St., Reno, NV 89503 (For directions, view the parks Google map)
Park Ranger Office: (775) 785-4512
At 580 acres, Rancho San Rafael Regional Park is Washoe County's largest and most dynamic park. In addition to the variety of amenities and facilities within the heart of the park, the acreage also extends past the north side of McCarran Blvd. The diverse landscape includes everything from manicured lawn to native pasture grasses, and wetland habitat to dusty sagebrush.
Rancho San Rafael Park is probably most well known for hosting the Great Reno Balloon Race, but it is also home to dozens of other special events throughout the year. The Wilbur D. May Museum and Wilbur D. May Arboretum & Botanical Garden can also be found here, as well as a visitor center, the historic Ranch House, the Nevada Farms and Families Area (formally known as Great Basin Adventure), Herman's Pond, five large reservable picnic pavilions and dozens of individual sites, the Basque Sheepherder Monument, miles of trail, a disc golf course, and so much more. We invite you to come explore!
Be sure to visit the history of Rancho San Rafael Park page.
Are you interested in volunteering at Rancho San Rafael Park? Visit our Volunteer Opportunities page.
Park Rules and Regulations
Park Map available HERE
Trail Map Available HERE
Master Plan Update - Your Input is Needed!
Washoe County Parks invites the public to participate in the second round of public feedback for the Rancho San Rafael Regional Park Master Plan Update. This phase includes feedback gathered from the initial phase of public input and will help confirm the direction of the draft recommendations, draft concept maps, as well as prioritize recommended improvements for the overall master plan. Get involved by taking the newest survey by visiting the Rancho San Rafael Regional Park Engagement Website to participate! Survey closes August 30, 2024. Continue to check back and keep informed on the park master plan progress.
Reservable Facilities at Rancho San Rafael Regional Park
Reservable buildings include the Ranch House and event space within the May Museum. Reservable group picnic areas include the Peavine Pavilion, Chinese Pagoda Pavilion, and Lions Highland Pavilion. The Brahma and Leghorn pavilions found in Nevada Farms and Families (formally Great Basin Adventure) are also available for reservation. In addition, several Arboretum gardens are available for wedding ceremonies within the Wilbur D. May Arboretum.
For details about each of the facilities, please click on the appropriate links above. To make an appointment to view a facility, call the numbers below:
- To view the Ranch House, call the Park Ranger office at (775) 785-4512
- To view the Garden Court, call the Museum front desk at (775) 785-5961
- To tour the reservable Arboretum gardens, call the Arboretum office at (775) 785-4153
To check the availability of dates or to request a reservation, contact our Park Reservations staff Monday thru Friday by calling (775) 823-6501 or emailing reserveparks@washoecounty.gov. Reservations can only be made through Park Reservations staff and cannot be made directly with the facility.
"First-Come/First-Serve" picnics and gatherings must adhere to the following rules:
- Organized groups of 25 people or more are required to obtain a group-use permit and use a designated reserve-able area within the park.
- Please help us keep the park clean by disposing of all trash and litter.
- Please do not attach items to tables or other structures using tape, glue, staples, tacks or nails. Please do not hang or attach items to trees or other vegetation.
- Items such as balloons (including water balloons), confetti, piñatas, fireworks, tiki torches, portable charcoal grills, large shade structures, outside tables and chairs, any type of amplified music device such as bluetooth speakers, or amusement structures such as bounce houses are not allowed without a permit.
- Gender reveals and other activities that make use of confetti or incendiary (smoke) devices are not allowed.
- "Pop-Up" weddings or "Elopements" making use of a professional photographer are required to obtain a commercial photography permit.
Media
Activities: BBQ/Picnicking, Biking, Bird Watching, Exercise Course, Fishing, Interpretive Programs, Hiking/Walking, Horseshoes, Jogging, Photography, Children's Playgrounds, Volleyball, Junior Ranger Program
Facilities: Wilbur D. May Museum, Wilbur D. May Arboretum and Botanical Garden, Ranch House, Peavine Pavilion, Chinese Pagoda Pavilion, Lions Highland Pavilion, Brahma Pavilion, Leghorn Pavilion, Multi-purpose Fields, Off-Leash Dog Area, Fishing Pond