Such an unexpected little paradise tucked between fourth street and the river. There were several trails to follow for how small it is, plenty of benches by the river as well as along the trail. You truly forget you are surrounded by city and neighborhoods. I saw so much wildlife and even came across a deer and a beaver. If you haven't checked it out and need to relax a bit, this is the place. Can't wait to get my camera out to take some more photos and hopefully see some more birds and wildlife. read more

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Great easy trail for those of us who enjoy a nature walk but nothing too hard! Lots of nice benches tucked here and there for a quiet break...unless of course a train goes by...but I always enjoy that. On the northern most path, once the shrubs and trees leaf out, you walk thru a green tunnel. I used to bring my mom here when she used a wheelchair for mobility...paths are pretty level and hard packed, and there are a couple of observation points paved with that plastic decking...they are holding up very well! There is a mystery here tho...closing hour is listed as 4:00pm, with notices the gate will be locked and your car stuck...but we've been there later in the afternoon and the gate was open and the parking lot full... We had our dog with us, on her leash, only to see a sign as we left, that dogs are not allowed...sorry. read more

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Convenient parking in a small lot. Restrooms in the beautiful, round park building. Decks allow access out over the water's edge for comfortable (and dry) viewing of the Truckee River flowing by. Trail wends through the mature trees, leading to other areas with benches and picnic tables. The soothing sound of the river can be heard from most of the trail, and you'll also hear several species of birds. Informational plaques are located throughout the park, describing various aspects of the land, flora, and fauna. Overall, a peaceful park that will get you away from the hustle and bustle. read more

Oxbow Nature Study Area - Parks Near Me - Reno, Nevada

A fellow mom had suggested this park for our play date but I had never been here before and was a little hesitant based on its proximity to downtown. I had concerns about cleanliness, homeless, and secludedness having younger kids and moms meeting up. I was pleasantly surprised at how this park was hidden at the end of a busy business 2nd street. It had lots of open parking stalls and very nicely kept grounds. No litter and not too crowded with a handful of other families walking around. It was really serene and relaxing to just watch and listen to the Truckee River. Lots of scenic spots and areas for families to sit and enjoy exploring. The only drawback was the Nature Study building was closed as well as the restrooms locked. It was the perfect area to explore with a group of younger kids. read more

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A Travel Nevada post popped up on my social media feed yesterday with a link to an article about finding fall colors in Northern Nevada. I'm always up for finding somewhere new to explore and was very surprised to find that the first place mentioned was Oxbow Nature Study Area near downtown Reno! We have lived here for 10 years and had never been here so we made plans to check it out today. This is a great nature space located just a couple miles from downtown! There is plenty of parking, restrooms, and signage with information about what you are seeing dotted along the paths. Here you'll find a wetlands area with lots of leafy trees and shady paths situated between the railroad tracks and the Truckee River. The meandering walking trails are flat and made up mainly of packed dirt or sand. There are benches along the way where you can sit and take in the beautiful, peaceful surroundings. There are also some viewing platforms and a couple of those have stunning views of the gorgeous river. Other reviews noted unkempt, water-logged paths. There was none of that today. The paths were clear of debris and dry. What a great find! We kind of felt like we were on a mini-vacation. read more

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Nice little Nature Area. Went Dec 24- the train is a bit muddy but there's a lot of area to sit and watch wildlife. I saw so many different birds. read more

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Oxbow is the perfect park for families and for those who want to retreat back to nature without having to leave Reno. With it's beautiful scenery, tranquility, wildlife, picnic worthy spots, soothing sounds of nature, short and scenic shaded looped trail (.8 miles), and position right next to the Truckee River, this park will keep you coming back for more. I took my little ones here to get some fresh air and I fell in love right away with the feel of the park. Tall trees, ramps, interpretive signs, a little visitor center, American Robins, picnic tables, and nature sounds were what welcomed me. Upon Entering, I noticed a NO DOGS ALLOWED sign. It seems that the city aims for wildlife to be uninterrupted so as to allow an ideal habitat for wildlife to thrive. If I were to take a field trip to this area as a kid, I would be so excited to learn about nature. The beginning of the trail was very inviting, with it's narrow tree lined entrance and sounds of birds nearby. Up on the observation deck, I was able to spot three nests. Shade is a big plus for me and my family as it provides relief from the blazing sun during the summer. You will find many shaded areas throughout the trail. As you may already know, because of Reno's higher elevation(4,506ft.), the sun is much more intense. Sunblock is always good for protection in any case. There was no problem with getting around with my stroller but I could imagine that during a rainy and wet day, conditions may not be favorable as the trail would be too muddy to get around. Toward the end of the trail (after the last bush tunnel), there are long tree logs laid out to create a bridge to get to the other side. It's not completely flat so crossing with a stroller/wheelchair may pose a problem. Turning back and going the way you came is what I'd suggest. Anyway, the path after crossing the log bridge is only a few min back to the same path you took to get to the bush tunnel. Note that there's a fork at the end before the bush tunnel. The path with a tire and stick leads to a dead end. Take the fork to the right. I love that within the .8 mile looped trail, you get to experience all sorts of different areas-the river, open areas, tree/bush tunnel areas, and the picnic study area located at the entrance. Me and my little ones, had a blast walking the trail, reading the educational signs, checking out the river, checking out wildlife, listening to the train nearby, and snacking near the river. I'm so thankful for this precious area that has been preserved. As others have suggested, visiting the park during busy day times is ideal as it is well lit, safest, and easy to get around. I have not yet visited during fall and would imagine that it would be even more stunning to see the trees change colors in such a sweet spot. -Restrooms and water fountain available during business hours. -benches laid out throughout the trail. You can find two benches in front of the river. -To get to the deck in front of the river, take the path all the way to the left, away from the educational signs. This path connects to the main path. -Bring some chairs or a blanket to enjoy a picnic or just relax on the deck in front of the river or anywhere else in the area read more

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Returned to this preserve and found it enchanting with a blanket of snow. The main Truckee River boardwalk lookout is complete. The short walk in the path meandering the river were filled with animal tracks in the snow and birds singing/warning chirps in the tall leafless winter trees. Love that the huge 2 story lookout structure still standing. Lots of parking. Restrooms available during park hours. Also, it was fun passing the warehouse/arts district lining the street leading up to the park. Just getting there had lots to see and a cool cafe, too. read more

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Hidden nature oasis! Bonus it's close to downtown AND a fantastic place to have a socially distant good time! I'd heard a lot about this part through the years but had never made it over. Looking for something fun to do after a morning at the California Farmer's market, we had planned to stop at Honey Bakery on Keystone and 5th, which gave me the idea to take the fam down here for a little outdoor time. It's way down the end of Dickerson road, almost to the point where you start wondering if you're lost. All of a sudden signs and the parking lot appear, and you know you're in the right place. We started on the East side of the park and hit the trail. It's sandy and runs along the river with lots of wonderful natural vegetation surrounding. We saw a lot of butterflies and loved stopping for unnecessary breaks on the benches and rest areas. There were a lot of trails that meandered through the trees that begged to be explored, but it was a little boggy so we stayed on the high dry road. Along the same lines we didn't make it around the loop because it was wet. If I'd been in different shoes we would've made it! So if you're looking for a little light outdoor fun, this is a great place to check out! read more

NOT PET FRIENDLY!!! A quick google search led me to believe pets were welcome here so I took my dog on a run down this morning and was promptly screamed at by neighbors and two city park staff members. Super rude even when I told them I was just looping through the dirt lot to run back out 2nd. Didn't see a sign saying no dogs until I was halfway through the parking lot loop. Moral of the story don't take your dog here even if you don't step foot in the park. read more

Oxbow Nature Study Area - Apple Maps - Parks Near Me - Reno, Nevada

OmG ! It was sucha precious visit ! Near in your area its a hidden gem ! Has a preserved natural habitat we got to see , squirrels , many birds , skunks , beautiful butterflies read more

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This spot is great!! It's hidden near downtown Reno. Great spot along the river to walk and see wildlife. We watched an entire family of deer eating for an hour. The trails here are stroller friendly if you have an all terrain stroller like a BOB. Great picnic spot too! No pets allowed. read more

Really pretty walk along the River. Muddy about half way out. The adventure loop around is totally overgrown and impassable but they are working on celearing it. Men's room broken women room locked on Sunday am. read more

Hidden away from the neon lights and bustling of downtown Reno is a lovely nature preserve and riparian area known as Oxbow Nature Study Area and the adjacent Sack Park. Strolling along the shady and well groomed trails than run along the north bank of the Truckee river, I felt like I had entered an interactive Myst-like computer game. The lush foliage and paths and stark burned skeletons of trees and seemingly random fences and benches add a back drop to the screeches and squawks of the birds and the rustling of small mammals in the undergrowth. Suddenly you hear the train whistle and the rumbling of metal upon metal as a freight train rushes by unseen on the other side of the tall brush. Walking along the path you round a bend and there, in a shady grassy clearing, are a deer and her two does. They skitter back into the shadows of the trees blending in with the natural camouflage. The main path is an easy, handicapped accessible path that runs between the Truckee River and 4th Street. There are side loops and spurs and ample places to sit an enjoy the scenery and abundant wild life. Highly recommended as a quiet respite from city life. read more

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Beautiful spacious park! I've been here twice and each time have had a blast. It wasn't crowded either time. A lot of great photo spots and unique growth of the plants. DEFINITELY recommend. read more

Nice walk today on the trails.... Saw a lot of birds along the paths and a few animal tracks. Other then that, I feel there are much better hiking paths to go on that you can take your dogs around Reno. The park does have a lot of benches to sit on and just enjoy the river. Which to me that was the highlight of this park. read more

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Nice walking trail right on the Truckee River. It's out of the way, but that's okay. We saw deer, tons of birds and bunnies while we were walking. Cool experience for the kids and I. We will be back, for sure! read more

Although this is called a Nature Study area, it is a small wilderness preserve that is, for all intents and purposes that matter to us locals, a park with wonderful, undeveloped walking trails. It's rather lonely here, which may make some (me included), think twice about coming here alone during the lonely hours of the evening, but, provided you're a bit adventurous, what a spectacular area this is. Oxbow features several trails, the nicest of which are along the riverbank. If it's summer, spray on some bug repellent as there are small, standing, marshy pools along the path -- a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Be advised, raccoons and skunks are inclined to hang out here. It's a good idea to carry a walking stick to ward off critters (protect yourself from raccoons that grow huge!) as these are more rugged paths and trails that what you generally encounter in the area's parks. The rewards are tremendous. Solitude and a quiet place to think with nothing but the sound of the wind whisking through the park's numerous bushes and trees with the river water whooshing past. Parking is close and convenient, but you should google this place if you haven't been here before. It's located at the end of a little used dead end street. Remarkable. Reno is lucky to have such a place. read more

And here i thought that the closest thing we had to a "Nature Study Area" was watching Reno-ites "bathing" in the Truckee river. Ick. So Oxbow gets 4 stars notsomuch for being a particularly lovely Nature Study area, or even a well-kept one. It doesn't even have a whole lot of actual nature to observe. No, Oxbow gets 4 stars for simply...existing. Because dammit, Reno, it's about time. The study area begins alongside the Truckee, on the South side of the railroad tracks just opposite 4th street. It kind of winds around the area by the Truckee that butts up to the corner of 4th and McCarran. *Come in late afternoon: plenty of shade, a few small swimming areas, a good place to bring a picnic and a couple chairs to relax for a few hours in the heat of the day. Especially if you want to go outside and away from the hustlebustle of the downtown swimming area. *Bring tennis shoes: most of the trails are unpaved and poorly maintained. *Wear bug spray: because if you don't, you will experience something similar to Hitchcock's The Birds, but on a smaller and itchier scale. *Come with a friend: Shady characters much? Yeah, it's off of 4th street. Need i say more? read more

Definitely a diamond in the rough! The area around is all industrial and lots of trash, graffiti, and homeless camps, but then there's this place! It's a great place to go for a walk (not really a hike) and soak in the sounds, sights and smells of nature. I've seen all kinds of birds here, as well as beavers, muskrats, bunnies, bats, etc. read more

I hadn't been to Oxbow since I was in elementary school, which, suffice to say, was quite some time ago. We were looking for somewhere to take an easy walk with the new baby and decided to revisit the area. All in all, it's a nice enough little park. Very short trail loop; you definitely won't break much of a sweat on this one. It winds through the marshy area (where we saw two beavers!) and then along the Truckee. We did spot many different kinds of birds as well, so that was fun for my older son. The area is not the greatest (as others have said, it's up by the train tracks off 4th Street so....), and that unfortunately shows in the amount of graffiti and tagging in the park. I feel like this place has gone a bit by the wayside and is a bit forgotten, but with some TLC could be really nice again. Oxbow still gets three stars from me for having some beautiful views of the river (and beavers!) but I don't think this is somewhere I'd go out of my way to visit again any time soon unfortunately. Tl:dr- Run down and a little seedy, but you can still see some cool wildlife (and that doesn't mean bums despite its proximity to 4th street). read more

Oxbow Nature Study Area - Exploring along the river trail - Parks Near Me - Reno, Nevada

This area had a large damaging fire about 5-8 years ago and though many of the burned trees have been cut down, a few remnants of burned trees have been left. Today, it's early spring and the trees are just starting to send out new shoots and the grass is starting to erupt from the ground. I think I'll try to go in the summer next time! We stopped at the visitor center and the friendly lady let us have a hands-on view of animal pelts, skulls, mounted heads of elk, mountain goats, deer, a beaver, skunk, muskrat, a bobcat and a mountain lion. She was very informative. The nature trail is navigable by almost anyone, I think that even a handicapped person in a wheelchair would be welcome in most of the park, though some of it is a composite wood product paving the path along with dirt path with a few ruts from people and animals passing through the park in the mud. We saw a young beaver swimming in the first pond and a lot of bird life. At the time of day we came out, most animals were hidden. The park closes at 4pm and though we did see some joggers with 2 dogs, it's a no dogs allowed site. (At least those joggers should have picked their dog's business up!). A little gem of wildlife along the Truckee River that is a little hidden to many people. Plus, THIS IS TOTALLY FREE! Take Keystone to 2nd street and turn at the Valero station or the Nest vintage store and head to the west. It becomes Dickerson Road where there are a lot of industrial building, a café and condominiums. Go to the end of the road. It's between the train tracks and the Truckee River. read more

Oxbow Nature Study Area - The nature park has really come back from the fire about 5-8 years ago but there is still some of fire damaged trees. - Parks Near Me - Reno, Nevada

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This small urban oasis suffered a major fire a few years ago due to arson. As a result, the area has undergone some renovations and old burned trees have been felled and replaced with new ones. Oxbow still remains a great place to see wildlife and enjoy the rushing Truckee River. There are also some ponds where ducks, fish and otters can be found any time of day. During the summer months river floaters use it as a rest area on their journey down the Truckee which is less than ideal given it's fragile state of repair. I'm giving it 4 stars because it's a unique place for Reno but would probably garner a 3 star rating in other parts of the country. Still, it's worth a trip for families, bird watchers and couples wanting to relax along the river away from the commotion of downtown. read more

This area is as good as the wild lands get within the city limits. It's a thin strip of land, maybe 1/8 of a mile wide and a mile long, located between the Union Pacific railroad tracks to the north and the Truckee river to the south. Within that bit of land I've seen all sorts of small rodents, a coyote, a couple of deer, and (most interesting) a *mink* that lives under the remains of an old concrete dock and can be seen playing in the water and fishing as long as he or she doesn't spot you. Minks are shy, so you need to keep quiet, and binoculars help. And if you are a bird watcher, it doesn't get better than this. :-) read more

I love this place. It's so beautifully kept and I recommend it to anyone looking for quiet romantic stroll. Don't forget to go all the way around so you can see the tree cemetery in the back it's hunting, Erie in a little bit creepy but it's so tranquil and beautiful. read more

It's so great to have a natural area so close to town to enjoy and use. The planting effort that occurred after the fire that occurred a few years ago seems to have been relatively successful. There are, however, a few trees that were planted and caged that didn't survive. It would be nice to see those cages removed. It's also cool to see beaver activity in the area. My guess, though, is that they will end up being removed to help ensure that the cottonwoods they planted will survive. read more

Oxbow is such a nice place to relax, especially because it's usually not busy. I sometimes wish dogs were allowed, but I'm sure there's a good reason why they aren't. I hope the area around it gets more business and more people discover Oxbow, there's a lot of great stuff in the neighborhood! read more

This hidden area is a real treasure, mainly for the fact that it exists. As a recreational area, it is not ideal. This is a preserve, so there is not much for people to do here except wander the well-maintained trails or sit on one of the many not-so-well-maintained benches and contemplate nature. What strikes me most about hiking through here is the novelty of a lush, riparian habitat right in the middle of Reno. This is not the kind of landscape we are used to in this part of Nevada, and to spend some time walking through the trees and grasses and marshy terrain will make you feel as though you have been transported to a different place. If you just want to get a look at it, you can climb the observation deck on the parking lot and get a view over the whole preserve. To really experience what is being preserved here, though, you need to walk through it. Although not one of our best maintained public areas, it is, nevertheless, and worthwhile and interesting one. read more

Just visited Oxbow last week. The place was in a state of disrepair and neglect. We found beer bottles on several overlook decks and trash in many places. There was no ranger on site. Another couple had been there for hours and finally decided to tour the area themselves without any guidebooks or information. The only wildlife we saw were a couple of Robins and a few ducks. There was a cow, and calf penned up along the roadside and the cow looked like it hadn't been milked for days! I know the calf is supposed to keep things in check, but wow, that utter was about to burst. Hopefully, someone showed up that day to take care of the animals. The river view was nice but it was nothing that could not be seen from cleaner areas along the Truckee river. On the plus side, we didn't see any mosquitos while walking the area. I think they packed up and left with the other creatures that used to live there. read more