Updated November 15, 2026 · 9 local picks
One of the best things about living in the Truckee Meadows is how quickly you can get outside. The Truckee River runs right through Reno and Sparks with parks along its banks, the foothills rise on every side of the valley, and there are wetlands and open spaces within city limits where you can watch birds or walk among sagebrush without leaving town.
This guide covers the larger parks, nature areas and open spaces in our listings, the ones worth a special trip. Each entry links to its RenoLocal page with a map. Trail conditions, dog rules and parking vary by park and by season, so check the City of Reno, City of Sparks or Washoe County parks sites before heading out.
Parks and open spaces worth the trip
- 1
Nature area · University District
Reno's big regional park north of downtown near the university, with wide lawns, paved paths and trails into the hills. It's also where the Great Reno Balloon Race launches.
University DistrictView listing - 2
Park · Old Southwest
A historic city park along the Truckee River west of downtown, known for its lawns, shade trees and river access.
1505 Idlewild Drive, RenoView listing - 3
Park · Northwest Reno
A riverside nature area on Dickerson Road along the Truckee River, a quiet spot for a short walk and birdwatching close to downtown.
3100 Dickerson Road, RenoView listing - 4
Park · North Valleys
A wetland nature area in the North Valleys, popular with birdwatchers.
North ValleysView listing - 5
Park · Meadowood
A regional park in the foothills on the east side of Reno, with trails heading up into the hills. Its listed hours are daytime only.
4740 Parkway Drive, RenoView listing - 6
Park · Sparks
A lake in Sparks ringed by a walking path and park, an easy, flat loop for walkers, runners and strollers.
300 Howard Drive, SparksView listing - 7
Park · Spanish Springs
A large regional park and sports complex on Vista Boulevard in Spanish Springs.
6400 Vista Boulevard, SparksView listing - 8
Nature area · South Reno
An open space in the South Reno foothills.
South RenoView listing - 9
Nature area · West Reno & Verdi
An open space in the Mogul area of West Reno, toward Verdi and the Sierra.
West Reno & VerdiView listing
Know before you go
Reno sits in the high desert at around 4,500 feet. Summers are hot and dry, so carry more water than you think you need and start early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, and the foothill trails can be muddy or icy in winter and spring. Many parks share space with wildlife, so keep dogs on leash where posted.
If you'd rather ride than walk, our outdoors category also lists local bike shops, including spots downtown and in West Reno, where you can get a tune-up or ask about local routes.
Find a park near you
Our directory includes more than a hundred neighborhood parks across Reno and Sparks. Browse the outdoors category or your neighborhood page to find playgrounds, ball fields and green space close to home.
Business details come from our listings, compiled from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL) and businesses' own websites. Hours and offerings change; confirm with the business before you go. Places are chosen editorially and are not ranked or paid for, except listings marked Featured, which are paid placements.