Huffaker Hills Trailhead
Huffaker Hills Open Space is located in the southwest part of Reno. This park is open all year round. It has no trees and provides panoramic views of Reno and the northern part of the Carson Range. You'll find picnic tables with views of Mt. Rose next to the trailhead and also a short walk away in the park. There is a bench on top of the highest hill and also one at the east boundary above Alexander Lake. At the trailhead and at some locations in the park you'll find trail maps and information on wild life and some flowers which mostly bloom during the spring season (for example: Beckwith Violet). Various animals and plants can be found in the park, including the prickly pear cactus shown below.

The trail system includes the Western Loop Trail and the Lakeview Loop Trail from which the Twin Peaks Trail branches off to the top of one of the twin peaks. The park rules allow hiking, mountain biking and dogs on leash.
Prickly pear spines Prickly pear flowers
Opuntia: A few prickly pear cacti are making the Huffaker Hills their habitat. Although the flowers typically show off only for a few days in spring, the spines have a much longer durability.
Getting there: The Huffaker Hills Trailhead is located next to the water tank on the right side of Alexander Lake Road, about half a mile away from where this road meets South McCarran Blvd. at the bottom of RattleSnake Mountain just east of the intersection of South McCarran Blvd. and Longley Lane.

Note: On a hot September day in 2010, a fire affected some parts of the Huffaker Hills, which currently are blackened. But all trails are open again.

References

[1] Mike White: Afoot & Afield, Reno-Tahoe, A comprehensive hiking guide. Wilderness Press, Berkeley, California, 1st Edition August 2006, 2nd printing 2008, pp. 337-339.
[2] Truckee Meadows Trails. RGJ Custom Publishing Group, Reno, October 2009, pp. 28-29.




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