Davis Creek Park is located just off of Highway 395 South about 20 minutes south of downtown Reno. The park is located in East Washoe Valley and sits at the bottom of the Eastern Sierra mountain range. It is home to a small fishing pond, picnic areas, a campground and the trailhead for the Ophir Creek trail that climbs several thousand feet up to the Mount Rose summit.
Parking and public transportation at Davis Creek Park
The park has about 15 parking spots near the trailheads and another 40 spots near the two main picnic areas. There is no public transportation to the park.
Best and worst time go to Davis Creek Park
The best time to go to the park is early morning or evening, at this time the locals chipmunks, squirrels and even some deer can be seen. It's also a good time for photography. The worst time to go to the park is in the winter. During this time, the shadow from the mountain can make the park roads and trails icy.
Admission to Davis Creek Park
Admission to the park is free. A site at the campground costs $20 per night per vehicle.
Must see/do at Davis Creek Park
For families, the small pond is full during wetter years and is great for swimming, fishing and catching frogs. The pond also has a nature trail that points out various trees and park features. For hikers, the Ophir Creek trail is a highlight and offers great views of Washoe Valley.
Other places to visit near Davis Creek Park
Just south of Davis Creek is Bowers Mansion Regional Park. This park features the historic home of an 186's gold baron, a swimming pool, playground and picnic area and lots of trees and grass.
Insider tip for visitors to Davis Creek Park
If you hike up the first two miles of the Ophir Creek trail, you will see the remnants of a massive landslide that hit the area in the 1980s. Large granite boulders will mark the slide, but it's also a great place for a picnic since it's right by the creek.
Author's bio: Christina Nellemann is writer living in Reno who regularly hikes the Ophir Creek Trail at Davis Creek. The views are pretty incredible.
