As Snow Melts, Students Hit the Trails
Here comes the sun, as well as students, seeking the solace of the outdoors and escape from the stresses of school.
With the academic school year coming to a close, and the start of Spring, many students at the University of Nevada, Reno have been saying good riddance to the winter, and welcoming sunshine with open arms.
Nestled in between the mountains, the University of Nevada, Reno, UNR, is just a mere 40 miles away from Lake Tahoe. Home to an abundance of outdoor beauty, many are completely unaware of the hidden gems of the Reno and Lake Tahoe area and what they have to offer.
“I always imagined Reno as a desert, I never thought I would find so many hiking trails, or little rivers right by campus,” said Freshman Kacie McNamara. “There is a stellar trail right near the school that has a waterfall and everything,” she said.
McNamara is referring to Hunter Creek Trailhead, just nearly 8 miles from UNR’s campus.
Hunter Creek Trailhead is the closest of the many hidden gems to students at UNR. Hunter Creek Trailhead, also known as “The Frozen Waterfall Trail,” is a 5.8 mile long moderate hike. This hike follows a river, winding up hills moderate and beginner, all the way to a waterfall and has various beautiful viewpoints along the way.
DIRECTIONS TO HUNTER CREEK TRAILHEAD FROM RENO:
80 East to McCarran North Exit, head south of McCarran Blvd, make a right on Mayberry Rd., turn left on Plateau Rd. turn right on Woodchuck Dr. and follow until it leads you to a dead end, park and enjoy your hike!
“I know it’s a bit of a drive, but Fallen Leaf Lake is a personal favorite of mine,” said fellow UNR Student Ariana Nahidi.
Fallen Leaf Lake is located just one mile off Lake Tahoe. Fallen Leaf Lake is a beginner trail, that loops around and is about 3 miles in total radius. On this hike you can expect beautiful views of Fallen Leaf Lake, as well as Mt. Tallac!! Not many would expect another lake right next to Lake Tahoe, that would be just as beautiful.
DIRECTIONS TO FALLEN LEAF LAKE TRAILHEAD:
Start up the trail at the entrance to the campground for Fallen Leaf Lake located off of highway 89, turn from highway 89 to Fallen Leaf Lake Rd, head a mile up the road to the entrance of the campground, park outside the campground, walk in the entrance to the trail, enjoy your hike!
“Going on hikes makes me happy because when I’m stressed out and need a break, it is nice to know that I can go outside, and shut my phone off, and leave everything else behind,” said freshman student Jesse Raine Andros.
Andros brings up a valid point of what makes hiking so important to not only UNR students, but many people. Andros expresses the feeling of relief when on a hike, and the feeling of disconnection from the world that leaves you at complete peace with nature and your thoughts.
The trails opening near the end of the academic school year creates a safe haven for students and a break loose from the stresses that come from academics. Hiking also teaches students the valuable lesson of disconnecting from technology and learning how to be present, which can help in and out of the classroom setting.
“Finding a new spot makes me feel accomplished. It is challenging, walking uphill and seeing how far you have to go, but the feeling you get when you get to the top, or the end of the trail, is better than acing any exam,” explained Andros.
Finding a hiking trail in the Reno, Tahoe area is just as exciting as it is rewarding. As well as the two trails mentioned in depth, there are websites that will give you the same in depth information on other trails.
The most natural way to happiness is through your body. Hiking releases serotonin in the body and is a healthy outlet.
Unlike the typical partying and drinking, hiking relieves stress for college students.
The Reno, Tahoe area has much more to offer than meets the eye. Like the students mention, finding these hidden spots can be very rewarding.