Because of its close proximity to my home, I frequently spend a few hours hiking the familiar trails of Huffaker Hills on the eastern side of Reno. The drive from my home is only about 5 minutes and while I really enjoy seeing new landscapes, sometimes you just need a quick place to put some miles in. Huffaker Hills offers just that, along with some nice views and decent inclines. Rattlesnake Mountain in particular is a nice steep climb, though short, to a peak overlooking Reno-proper.
Hitting the trail head early this chilly Sunday morning, I head out NW route through the park, which drops down to the lowest point and then climbs back up towards the Twin Peaks. The climb to twin peaks can be a little challenging for those out of shape, but the rewards is worth it. Reaching the top of Southern Peak, which is where the commonly traveled trail leads, one finds the stone fort built for unknown reasons by unknown hands. It does make a nice windbreak on a windy day though.
While I won't make my way across the saddle and up the next-most peak to the south, I have visited it many times before and upon my first visit, was amazed to see a large rock piling in the shape of a stylized big-horn ram. The construct is large, with dimensions approximately 40' by 50', and only visible from the mountaintop or above. Pretty cool. In fact, among my friends we have names this particular peak Big Horn Mountain.
Returning to the parking lot, I decide to summit Rattlesnake Mountain, which sets on across and above the other side of Alexander Lake Road. The climb is always steep, but is forgiving at only about a mile long. Upon reaching the top, one is rewarded with a fantastic view of the Reno/Tahoe airport and all of Reno laid out before me.
This was intended to just be a quick training hike and it succeeded in that. At a little over 3.5 miles for the morning, I will consider it a mile work out and get on with the rest of my day. I'm sure I will return many more times in the future.
Oh, I must not forget the wild mustangs. Though they rarely wander directly into the park itself, they frequent the nearby hills to the east and this day is no different. On my way out, I encounter a few of the gentle beasts. I understand that many people dislike these horses running wild and ruining their lawns, but it's difficult for me to imagine doing harm to these beautiful creatures.
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