Rancho San Rafael Regional Park

1595 North Sierra St., Reno, NV 89503 (click here to view a map)

Park Ranger Office: (775) 785-4512View-from-Lear-in-Oct.jpg

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! 

To learn more about the history of Rancho San Rafael Park, click here.
Are you interested in volunteering at Rancho San Rafael Park? Visit our Volunteer Opportunities page.  



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 PavilionChinese 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. You may also find more information and reserve select picnic pavilions online by clicking here.

Media

The park and its history has been featured in various videos & articles. Click the links below to view them:
Documentary: 'Rancho San Rafael - A Historic Telling of How it Came to be' (2022. This documentary recieved a Telly Award in 2023!)

 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 GardenRanch HousePeavine PavilionChinese Pagoda PavilionLions Highland Pavilion, Brahma Pavilion, Leghorn Pavilion, Multi-purpose Fields, Off-Leash Dog Area, Fishing Pond

 

Please "like" the Rancho San Rafael Regional Park Facebook page to learn more about the park and get the latest updates!