Flowers everywhere: Where to go to experience an outstanding wildflower bloom

Thanks to an epic winter that left near-record snowfall followed by a rainy spring, our region is enjoying the gift of a healthy and vibrant wildflower bloom.

RGJ photographer Jason Bean has been getting out with his camera (and dog) these past few weeks, documenting the displays of color and life in the hills surrounding Reno. Right now, the best places to explore are the hillsides hovering around 5,000-6,000 feet in elevation. But virtually anywhere you choose to hike in Northern Nevada this spring will surprise you with hidden gems and unexpected explosions of color. 

Here are a handful of suggestions on where to find this spring’s offerings in the Reno/Sparks area: 

Peavine Peak

The prominent mountain just to the north of Reno is covered in trails, each one leading to a vast display of flowers. Just pick a trail and start walking or riding your mountain bike. You cannot make a bad choice. 

How to get there: The easiest access points can be found at either Evans Canyon Trailhead, East Keystone Trailhead or the top of Hoge Road. All of these trails are located on the southeast aspects of Peavine Peak.

Hunter Creek Trail and neighboring hillsides

This is a beautiful (and busy) trail west of the city in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada that follows a drainage leading up to a waterfall. There are flowers along the entire hike as well as in the hills above the trail on either side. 

How to get there: The Hunter Creek Trailhead is located at the end of Woodchuck Circle in the Caughlin Ranch area.

Tom Cooke Trail and Steamboat Ditch

In the same general area as the Hunter Creek Trail, the Tom Cooke Trail and the Steamboat Ditch road will provide amazing and generous displays of flowers right now. If you can find a way to access the hillsides above the Steamboat Ditch (there is currently water flowing in the irrigation ditch) you will be rewarded for your efforts.

The easiest place to climb up above the ditch and up to the higher elevation hills can be found just past the beginning of the Hunter Creek Trail. Look for an old road that switchbacks up to the right, or west, of the trail itself. 

How to get there: The Tom Cooke Trail is located along White Fir Street just past a bridge crossing over the Truckee River. The Steamboat Ditch trail can be accessed by driving up Plateau Road and turning onto Woodchuck Circle. Look for the ditch trail immediately on your right after making the turn. There are also many other access points for the Steamboat Ditch.

Trails above Hidden Valley

Many people know this area on the east side of the Truckee Meadows for its dog park, but the hills and ridge line above the park are covered with flowers right now. The trails can be a bit steep to climb and descend near the bottom, but are very much worth the effort and, as an added bonus, offer some of the best views of the city and the mountains to the west. 

How to get there: Hidden Valley Regional Park is on the far east side of the Truckee Meadows. Follow Pembroke Drive east and then turn right, or south, onto Parkway Drive and follow all the way to the park. The trails head up the hills to the east of the park.

Elsewhere

Most of the hillsides on the west side of the Truckee Meadows are blooming right now. Just start hiking anywhere from the Ballardini Ranch Trail to the north or the Thomas Creek trail to the south.

If you’re willing and able to ramble around off trail, you’ll likely be rewarded with entire hillsides covered in vast displays of bright yellow arrowleaf balsamroot. Many of the photos in the attached photo gallery are from this area. The most direct way to access this area is by hiking up from Timberline Road that traverses directly under these hills. Keep in mind that the hills are a bit steep and covered in loose rocks, not for the faint of heart or those with weak knees. 

How to get there: Ballardini Ranch Trailhead is located at the end of Lone Tree Lane, heading west off of Lakeside Drive. The Thomas Creek Trailhead can be found by driving up the lower part of the Mt. Rose Highway and then turning right, or north, up Timberline Drive.