Galena Creek Regional Park

 

North Entrance: 18250 Mt. Rose Highway, Reno, NV 89511 (click here to view a map)

South Entrance: 18350 Mt. Rose Highway, Reno, NV 89511 (click here to view a map)
 
Park Ranger Office: (775) 849-2511

Click Here for current weather conditions

Galena Creek Pic

**Click here to view the interactive Galena Creek Nature Trail Guide!**

This park is popular year-round. In the summer, enjoy hiking in the Sierra along Galena, Jones and White's Creeks. In the winter, visit the park for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and sledding.

 Nestled in a forested area on the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada, Galena Creek Regional Park is seven miles up the Mt. Rose Highway from the intersection with I-580. Galena Creek flows through the park creating separate north and south portions of the park. Campfire programs, ranger-led hikes, fishing at Marilyns Pond and exhibits in the Galena Creek Visitor Center add to the diversity of the park.
For plant & animal species found here, check out Galena Creek Regional Park on iNaturalist.

Information about Park Events and Programs available here.

 

Rules and Regulations available here.

 

Park Trail Maps available here.

 

Park Update: 1/4/2023

Winter Recreation at Galena Creek Regional Park 

While Galena Creek Regional Park is an amazing place to recreate in the winter, many hazards exist in the park that are not present in other seasons. The following tips will help to make your visit to the park both safe and fun:

* During inclement weather, the park opening may be delayed (or may close early) to allow park crews to plow the roads and clear the pathways. Road conditions within the park may be hazardous at times, and intermittent closures of the roads may be possible. 4-wheel drive is recommended during the winter months. Check the latest highway conditions by calling 511 or visit www.nvroads.com. Parking is not permitted below the NDOT facility, in front of closed gates or along the highway.

* The Park will remain open on all winter holidays including Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. and President’s Day holidays, weather permitting.  

* Check your weather local weather forecast, and dress accordingly. Packing a few extra layers is always a good idea. Depending on the trail conditions, ice cleats or snowshoes may be necessary. Snowshoes may be available to rent at the Galena Creek Visitor Center. The Visitor Center is open Friday-Sunday from 9:00am-4:00pm through the winter. Call 775-849-4948 for availability.

*Please keep pets leashed at all times, and please clean up after them. Help us to keep the park clean, fun, and safe for other visitors by disposing of all pet waste or other disposable items in the nearest available trash container. Leave No Trace!

* Hypothermia is fast and deadly in these conditions. Please keep away from Marilyn's Pond and the banks of the creeks throughout Galena Creek Regional Park and the Galena Creek Recreation Area. The ice is not stable, and it is very dangerous to walk on. Marilyn's Pond is nearly 15 deep, and the water is ice cold. The creeks may flow faster this time of year depending on the weather, and the water is often colder than freezing.

* Sledding is not permitted south of Galena Creek. Suggested areas for sledding include the area within the Nature Trail Loop, as well as many great options along the Bitterbrush Trail and Bearmat Loop (roads closed to vehicle traffic during winter). Sledding within the park is most easily accessed from the park's north entrance, just beyond the Galena Creek Visitor Center.

*Call the park office at 775-849-2511 for the latest information.

** Click here for a list of alternative sledding locations in the Reno/Tahoe area **

 

Recreation at Marilyn's Pond

Update: 1/4/2023

Marilyn's Pond is closed for the season. Please be aware that Marilyn's Pond is closed to fishing when ice is covering the surface. Keep off of the ice at all times. Ice fishing is prohibited, as is walking, snow shoeing or skating on the ice. Please call the Park office at 775-849-2511 for the latest conditions.

Marilyns Pond Winter 2021

Marilyn's Pond is a popluar spot for anglers, especially families with smaller children. The pond is stocked with Rainbow trout and features an ADA accessible dock as well as several shaded benches and fishing access along it's banks. As with all other urban ponds in Washoe County, the following rules and regualtions apply at Marilyn's Pond:
  • A current valid fishing license or permit issued by the Nevada Department of Wildlife is required for all anglers over the age of 12. Purchase your annual license or one (1) day permit here.
  • Fishing hours are 8:00 a.m. to 30 minutes before park closing (posted at the park entrance)
  • There is a limit of three (3) fish per angler, including resident youth anglers (under age 12). Non-resident youth anglers may keep one (1) fish. 

Galena Creek is also a fun fishing option within the park, offering both Rainbow and Brook Trout. Limit is five (5) per angler.  

For more information about fishing at Galena Creek Regional Park, including the latest stocking updates, please visit the Nevada Department of Wildlife's Fishing Page.

Stop Poaching! Please call the Galena Creek Regional Park Ranger Office at 775-849-2511 or NDOW at 1-800-992-3030 to report information on any wildlife related crime.

 

Media

Galena Creek Regional Park has been featured in various videos. Click the links below to view them:
'Wild Nevada' video (Episode 407)
'Park of the Week' video (Truckee Meadows Park Foundation)

 

Points of Interest and Reservable Facilities at Galena Creek Regional Park

Click on the photos below to learn more about: