Tahoe-Pyramid Trail: West Reno

The West Reno section of the Tahoe-Pyramid Trail is an urban walk paralleling the Truckee River as the path makes its way into the core of Downtown Reno.Running 5.6 miles one way, this section of the Tahoe-Pyramid Trail is very popular among local hikers, walkers and bicyclists. Mayberry Park is a popular year-round park with large shade trees and easy river access during the summer months to wide dedicated trails and access to Reno's hills via a footbridge across the river which offer snowshoeing during the winter months. Mayberry Park is also a popular starting point for the Truckee River float that lots of locals embark on during the hot season.Those looking for single track hikes in nature should definitely search elsewhere - this section of trail is paved, busy, and sticks squarely within Reno's parks, neighborhoods, green spaces, and downtown core. Over the course of this section of the longer Tahoe-Pyramid Trail, the route varies between dedicated multi-use paths, sidewalks or road shoulders, and busy downtown pedestrian/cyclist thoroughfares. This hike makes a great entry into the small city of Reno, as the 5.6 miles covers quiet park areas at the outskirts of the city's main core, through suburban feeling housing and onto streets that become busier as they approach the downtown area. The hike passes by several park areas - each with their own featues such as things like playgrounds, river access, walking paths, picnic benches, bathrooms and drinking water.The final stretch before the towers of downtown begin to reveal themselves passes by a popular coffee shop, and many food, drink and entertainment options are available immediately beside the path in downtown Reno. Views abound, and those looking to cover the full distance of this hike will have sporadic views and access to the Truckee River.Rather than a dedicated trail, this route was created after the development was laid down, so it follows a patchwork of paths and trails. Trail users can opt to branch off into any of the parks or green spaces along the way and explore on their own, or even access the Tahoe-Pyramid Trail from a number of points along this route in order to customize their walk.We've ended this hike in Reno's Downtown Plaza. which makes a natural turnaround point, or hikers can continue exploring the Sparks section of the Tahoe-Pyramid Trail which continues along the Truckee River following dedicated multi-use trail for this entire section.Parking in the outer parks is free and subject to Washoe County Parks hours and rules, while parking near Downtown Reno is generally metered during weekdays.