Dog walking in Virginia City

Downtown Virginia City

History buffs and their hounds might enjoy a walking tour of Virginia City’s historic downtown! Though doggos aren’t allowed on the guided tours, which feature stops at several museums, the city has developed a mobile app that provides visitors with information on thirty-two separate attractions, as well as a map and weather information. You and your leashed pup can wander past mansions, museums and old saloons, and listen to audio recordings of local historians along the way. If tales of the paranormal pique your interest, consider passing by the Washoe Club, held by some to be one of the most haunted locations in the Old West. Don’t fur-get to bring bags and water!

Cemetery Rd

You’d need to be barking mad not to check out the Virginia City Cemetery Loop! As the name suggests, this one-mile trail will take you and your pooch through historic graveyards set into a  series of terraces on a hillside. Once lush green spaces, water run-off and vandalism have left the burial sites barren and striking, and the names on the headstones speak to Nevada’s long history of immigration. If stories of the dead leave you cold, don’t worry -- you’ll still be treated to fabulous views of the Virginia Mountain Range. Bring some waste bags to keep this sacred space clean!

Galena Creek Recreation Area

If you and your pooch are looking for a livelier hike -- in every sense of the word -- why not drive on down to Galena Creek Regional Park in Reno? This pawesome park is almost completely surrounded on three sides by the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, and the beautiful Galena Creek winds its way through the heart of the preserve. Fitter furry friends in search of a challenge will find one on the Church’s Pond Loop of the Lower Galena Creek Trail, which has some steep elevation gains and features fabulous views of the pond. The less athletic among us will be glad to know that there are more sedate, forested creekside walks to choose from.

Stewart

Make no bones about it, a trip to Fuji Dog Park is sure to get your buddy’s tail wagging! Situated in Southeast Carson City where urban streets meet mountainous terrain, the park is huge -- there’s enough space here for your fur-ball to leap about to their heart’s content, and like the park in Reno, there’s a separate small dog area, too. Not only that, but there’s even a doggy agility course, so your buddy can get some extra canine cardio! A special mention needs to go to the doggy swimming hole, though -- your pooch can cool off if they’ve managed to work up a sweat even in the park’s plentiful shade. Bags and water are provided onsite.

Hidden Valley

Link Piazzo Dog Park at Hidden Valley Regional Park is a real mutts-visit! Located on the outskirts of Reno in the suburban neighborhood of Hidden Valley, there’s enough room in both the large and small dog areas of the park for even the most hyperactive hound to blow off a little steam. Bags and water are provided, so just bring your pup and prepare to play! It’s well worth taking a stroll through the people side of the park, where adventurous doggos will find mountain trails to sniff and explore. Be sure to look up a map before you go!