A covered wooden bridge welcomes visitors to the verdant grounds of Bartley Ranch Regional Park. The park, located in southwest Reno, is maintained by the Washoe County Parks Department. The park’s rentable facilities include the historic Huffaker School, four covered picnic areas that have barbecues, and the Robert Z. Hawkins Amphitheater. The park also features several tree shaded, first-come first-served picnic tables. A large equestrian area and facilities for horse trailers are available.
Trails in the Park
The Quail Run Trail is a short interpretive trails that follows the west hillside of the park. This trail is ideal for children because it can be walked rather quickly, requires very little planning, and has interesting information signs along the route about the different plants and animals that are common in the Truckee Meadows.
The Ranch Loop Trail circles the park and requires about an hour to walk. This is a good trail for fitness but is not long on pleasant views of anything but the high desert that is so prevalent in this area of Nevada. The Flume Trail takes walkers over on old irrigation flume set up on the western hillside of the park. This flume was used to irrigate Bartley Ranch and other ranches in the region.
Another longer trail extends east from Bartley Ranch Regional Park to Andersen Park, which is located near the south end of Kietzke Lane. Andersen Park does not have bathrooms, but does have a few picnic tables. The trail to Andersen Park is an improved dirt trail that gets very muddy on rainy days. All trails in the park are open to hikers, bicyclists, and equestrians.
Robert Z. Hawkins Amphitheater
The Robert Z. Hawkins Amphitheater at Bartley Ranch Regional Park opened in 2000. The facility was funded and built by the Robert Z.Hawkins Foundation. The amphitheater seats 403 and the total capacity is 900. Live shows and events are often held here during the summer when the cool nights create a pleasant atmosphere. During Reno Artown 2011 legendary jazz trumpeter Chuck Mangione performed here to a sold out crowd.
The amphitheater is ADA accessible as are the nearby restrooms. The facility is available for rent for most events and shows from May through October. Some of the amenities offered by the facility include a dance floor, concession area, ticket booth and audio-video equipment. To reserve the amphitheater or for more information call (775) 823-6501.
More Information
The park is located at 6000 Bartley Ranch Road in Reno, Nevada. The phone number for the park office is (775) 828-6612. In the fall of 2011 a wildfire nearly destroyed the park. Some structures in the park were lost but the amphitheater and the picnic structures were saved by the brave firefighters of the Reno Fire Department. As of January 10, 2012 some of the trails remain closed while plants and other habitat are being restored.
Carl Hoffman - Carl has a Bachelor's degree in Public Administration and is retired from the Nevada National Guard.
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