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    Crystal Peak Park

    4.5 (24 reviews)

    Crystal Peak Park Photos

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    River
    Chelsea L.

    We go here often for day trips to get the kids out in nature. We like to go even when it is cold. Less people and very beautiful.

    Ponds at Crystal Peak Park
    Julie U.

    I've always loved this park. I consider it the best park in the area. I live within walking distance so it's been my place to go for some time now. It's gotten pretty busy over the last few years with all the development, but early mornings are the best time to go to be near the river and beauty of the surrounding area. I would give this 5 stars 10 years ago except people have a habit now of leaving their trash along the river. There are receptacles for that and conveniently located so I hope that becomes a new trend- take your trash to where it belongs.

    Truckee River: nice launch spot for a leisurely Verdi float.
    Sheryl M.

    This is the park we all envisioned having a lazy Sunday afternoon picnic by the River. I've been here almost a dozen times in the last year and this visit and the photos I took, sealed the deal, this is THAT park. On a nice weekend, it definitely gets busy but you can still drive around near the upper parking lot for a spot. It stays pretty packed most of the day particularly on Sundays. By the way, this is a modest size park about a third or so the size of IDLEWILD PARK in RENO, this little park is just right for Verdi. If you come on a weekday (including summer), you'll likely find parking down in the park itself right by the river. There are several picnic tables and most of them have BBQ pits and all pretty much get shade. There's a great picnic spot right where a great launching spot (tubing/kayaking) into Truckee River and right before the bridge (US HWY 40). There is also 2 handicapped parking spots that have an adjoining picnic site. Port'oSubs is up the road at the Gold Ranch Sinclair gas station for lunch/picnic food or the market itself is WELL STOCKED for snacks and drinks. The park is small enough to walk around and enough to feel you were properly active for the day. Coming here on one early morning of the warmest days this summer, was cooling and refreshing and a reminder that this gem is minutes from RENO.

    Anna L.

    Small little park with a fishing pond on one side and a creek on the other side along with a few trails. They also have a few picnic tables scattered around. Plenty of parking, so no need to fight over spaces. Restrooms closed during covid.

    Joyce T.

    So it's a smaller green lush park separated by a tunnel from a drier trail and pond area. There is an upper and lower parking lot. Restrooms. Lots of picnic benches. Grass is very green with lots of shady trees. Go through the tunnel that runs under the highway and you emerge to another small picnic area, a fishing pond and a hiking trail that meanders along the river. Love the remnants fr the hotel and saw mill from back in the day. Short 15 minute dirt/sand loop trail.

    Learn about Verdi Glen Resort, a commuter stop back in the day 1923-1938
    Katherine F.

    Website: https://www.washoecounty.us/parks/parks_and_trails/park_directory/truckee_river_district/crystal_peak_park.php Crystal Peak Park Trail Map: https://www.washoecounty.us/parks/files/trail_maps/Crystal%20Peak%20Park%20Trails%20Map%2017%20x%2022.pdf One thing I love most about living in Reno is its close proximity to endless beauty. Crystal Peak Park is no exception. Only ten miles West of Reno, you will find a beautiful park surrounded by mountains and the Truckee river. With a beautiful scenic .5 mile loop and the Truckee river alongside, 2 fishing ponds(permit required, stocked with Lahonton Cutthroat Trout), plenty of boulders and a bridge to climb, picnic areas(including BBQ), a restroom, interpretive signs, and plenty of trails for hikers and cyclists nearby, this park has landed itself in my top 5 favorite parks in the area. There is a paved parking lot with roads that lead down to beginning of the trail. If you'd like to get a glimpse of Crystal Peak Park's beauty and learn a little history, check out this video made by Outdoor Nevada: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=259&v=nGrR1eBl7iU&feature=emb_title At Crystal Peak Park, you can step back into history and learn about Verdi Glen Resort (1923-1938), a place that served as a commuter stop and discover remnants of an old saw mill, Verdi Lumber Company, which in 1860, Crystal peak was home to. Lumber from this mill was used to build Virginia City and railroad tracks. There are lots of deciduous trees lining the river. I can't wait to check this park out during fall. It would be amazing. The park was named after the peak right behind it- Crystal Peak, where you can have some fun at looking around for quartz deposits(shovel recommended for enthusiasts). The peak is about 11 miles up a one way dirt road(small patches of land to pull over provided). I have attempted to go up with my mini van with no success. At the beginning of the last three miles, I was met with an uneven dirt road with lots of depressions that looked too deep to clear with my front bumper. I immediately understood the need for an off-roading vehicle or SUV(which I saw plenty of on my way up). Nevertheless, the view on the way up was highly enjoyable. It seemed like I was a hobbit on an adventure. On the way up, I notice some trail-heads and interpretive signs to the left which you can explore. If you were to make it all the way up to the peak, you will be rewarded with stunning views (as reviewed by Outdoor Nevada).

    13. Jan. 2018.
    Sabrina B.

    I've only been here once before and didn't explore it much. Today, while trying to wait out a car accident on the highway I decided to wander around and check out more of the park. When I arrived to the parking lot, a small group of deer were walking through the parking lot. Quite the welcoming committee! I wandered along the trails, the river and the pond for a bit. The ponds are great and have floating docks you can fish off of. During this mild winter, all the trails were easily visible and accessible. The views are great and the only downfall to the spot is the road noise which permeates the entire park due to proximity to the roadway.

    Pond in HD
    Eddie S.

    This is a beautiful hidden gem in Verdi Nevada, you have to come see this lush area when not covered in snow there is ample space to do plenty of relaxing have a little barbecue come and fish the ponds are so beautiful plenty of things for the kids to do just make sure you keep an eye on them this place is magnanimous I highly recommend that you come give this place a look there are no fees or charges to visit so it makes for the perfect place for a day trip! "This portion of the Crystal Peak Park is considered a passive recreation area ideal for wildlife viewing fishing picnicking and enjoying nature.

    Adam C.

    A fairly new park in the Washoe County Parks system, it has either 3 or 4 trails depending on how you count them, a double fishing pond that is part of the Truckee river fish program, great public space, and sturdy secure bear-proof trashcans. Green! Clean! & Beautiful! UPDATE: 2013 Opening Notice http://www.goodstandingoutreach.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/05-15-13_rgj_verdi_ponds-.pdf

    Clyde V.

    This park gets most of its stars for the pretty clean park bathroom situation it offers. When you're searching everywhere for a crystal mine that doesn't exist in this area, then you need to have a bathroom at your disposal. Also, if you go on a long hike here you will want to brush your teeth before you go! But that's only if you eat pasta on the drive over here from Tahoe. And you'll want to do that because there is literally nothing in this area besides this park. At least, that was my experience! Great trails for hiking! Really gotta love the signs that tell you about the wildlife in the area with an emphasis upon the Bears! Always trying to make the Bears into something scary! When really they are just magnificent creatures who actually live here where we want to hike. Glad I visited, but doubt I will return. Because there's so much to explore in this area!

    Gene B.

    Great park, but be warned parking is limited. Fear not, overflow parking is available located on the opposite side of the main entrance. The river is a nice hangout. If only I had a fishing pole. Shaded and grass area is available for picnics. If you really need to nail a spot, I suggest arriving early.

    Kamil K.

    Absolutely gorgeous park, a little over 10 minutes from NW Reno. This amazing park is right on the Truckee River in Verdi, and features amazing views. There are 3 ponds where you can fish and a nice easy half mile trail you can take and enjoy the scenery while learning about the history of the area. There are bathrooms and amazing picnic areas with large shaded grassy meadows, grills, and even a horseshoe pit! There are also great swimming spots and wild blackberries you can enjoy at the end of the summer. Don't miss this amazing park!

    G. D.

    Yesterday I needed to get away....but I was just having trouble getting going, and I wanted to go somewhere new. I did a quick search and decided to check out this park in Verdi. It was a quick drive and there was plenty of parking. We forgot all our winter essentials, so Roxie and I just took a stroll around the frozen pond. There were signs up stating the trails were closed due to rain damage. Since we were unfamiliar with the area, and it was coveted in snow, we didn't venture too far. Had a nice stop at the river. Then back we came. I would like to come back another time and explore some more, then can give an updated and more accurate review. But from the little we saw. We liked it. And it's really close.

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    1 year ago

    Loved the park. Plenty of shade and sun areas. We walked to the ponds and enjoyed that as well.

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    5 years ago

    Great place for family's and picnics and swimming! Nice hometown atmosphere! Dog friendly!

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    Ask the Community - Crystal Peak Park

    Review Highlights - Crystal Peak Park

    This amazing park is right on the Truckee River in Verdi, and features amazing views.

    Mentioned in 5 reviews

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    Independence Lake Preserve

    Independence Lake Preserve

    5.0(4 reviews)
    16.5 mi

    Independence Lake is a beautiful glacier-cut lake located less than an hour's drive from Truckee…read more Here, you can borrow one of the small fleet of kayaks and fishing boats ~after first filling out a registration waiver~. No outside watercraft are allowed! This is to protect and preserve the Lahontan Cutthroat Trout that are native to this habitat. Outside watercraft are risky because they may unknowingly transport foreign mollusks that are detrimental to the health of the trout living there. If fishing waders are used, there is a wader scrubbing/washing station located at the registration area. There are Nature Conservancy staff people on site if you have further questions. I found them informative and helpful. The loaner kayaks are located to the left side of the lake. The ones on the right side are for staff members. Every other week, ~only~ the kayaks are allowed out. Call to check the calendar schedule to avoid disappointment if you want to use one of the motorized boats. They require a motorized boater's card {available online at https://www.boat-ed.com/california/) There are single person and tandem person sit-on-top kayaks available. after 8AM Thursdays through Sundays. Loaner PFDs are also available in standard sizes. I recommend getting there early morning after opening while the water is calm. I was told that later in the day, the wind can pick up. This makes paddling a kayak to get backk across a lot more difficult. You may fish using barbless hooks. Only artificial lures are permitted. All trout caught must be released. Kokanee salmon are an invasive species here. Fishermen are allowed to keep those. Limit 5 per day, or 10 per trip, total. No live bait. There is no overnight camping on the Conservancy's grounds. There are campgrounds at nearby Webber Lake and Lake of the Woods.

    Independence Lake Preserve is an amazing place to enjoy the high Sierras. The best part is the free…read morekayaks that are available to anyone who signs a waiver. How cool and inclusive is that? You get to Independence Lake Preserve from highway 80 by heading north on 89 and then turning L at the "Little Truckee Summit OHV/Snowmobile" area, which is on a road labeled "07." It's the turn you'd take if you wanted to go to the Mt. Lola trailhead or Webber Lake Campground, which are also nearby. You'll need an offroad capable vehicle to make it over a water crossing and two miles of rocky road. There are lots of signs that explain that no watercraft are allowed, because Independence Lake is one of the two places in the world with a wild, self-sustaining lake population of Lahontan cutthroat trout. That's why they care so much about not letting folks put their own watercraft on the lake: they might unintentionally introduce invasive species. When we pulled up (with a canoe on our Jeep: we didn't know the rules beforehand), a ranger came out to verbally explain things to us and to let us know about the free kayaks to use. I was pleasantly surprised that there were not a lot of bugs out in July 2022. The last time we were in this area, which was maybe July three years ago, there were so, so, so many bugs. We came armed with bug spray but didn't need it! There are hiking trails around the preserve as well. The lake is large and beautiful, and the view of Mt. Lola is spectacular.

    Photos
    Independence Lake Preserve - Trees

    Trees

    Independence Lake Preserve
    Independence Lake Preserve - Trail

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    Trail

    Nor-Cal Charters

    Nor-Cal Charters

    4.8(57 reviews)
    36.3 mi
    Locally owned & operated
    Available by appointment

    If you're in town and want to be out on the lake or fish, or both, booking a trip on the Professor…read more(boat name) is the way to go. It's a private charter on a really cool boat that has a deck, bathroom, and plenty of room for up to 7. I found these guys on Groupon and went for it. Booked a family trip that lasted 4 hours in the afternoon. We were led by just one guy, Captain Andrew and the man is amazing at what he does and super cool to hangout! He's fished out at the lake for over a decade and really knows his stuff, where the spots are to find the fish, and how to work with kids and families. He taught techniques on fishing and what to look for when you know you've caught something. I really admire how hard working Andrew is and the love he has for what he does, it made the experience for me a lot better. The experience really was A+ with Andrew taking care of us. He provided coffee, donuts, water, soda and beer. Everyone in our group caught multiple fish, nobody came home empty handed due to Andrew's expertise on the lake. He was even nice enough to gut and fillet all the fish we caught. Please don't hesitate to go on a charter with Andrew if you're looking to go fish in Lake Tahoe!

    Captain Andrew did a great job. We really enjoyed our time on the lake and caught lot's of fishread more

    Photos
    Nor-Cal Charters - The charter boat "Professor" on its way to the fishing grounds

    The charter boat "Professor" on its way to the fishing grounds

    Nor-Cal Charters
    Nor-Cal Charters - The Professor! Awesome boat!

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    The Professor! Awesome boat!

    Crystal Peak Park - parks - Updated May 2026

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