Weekend Outlook 9/09-9/12, 2021
Forest Closures:
Forest closures continue to be in effect through at least September 17 for California national forests. All pacific southwest division forests are entirely closed. All parts of the Humbolt-Toiyabe forests within the state of California are closed to dispersed camping but open to day use with additional restrictions for areas around the Tamarack burn scar. For additional details see the most recent previous Upcoming Events posts.
Currently, Truckee Meadows public lands east of the Stateline or Carson/Sierra crest are not impacted. I’ll update this post as I get additional information.
Weekend Events:
Here are the events that are on the radar for this weekend:
All Weekend:
Great Reno Balloon Races will be held at Rancho San Rafael. If you have never attended this free event, you should really go check it out. Schedule is available at their website. This is an early morning event that draws thousands so expect parking and traffic tie ups on surrounding neighborhood roads near the Rancho and Keystone trailheads.
Thursday, September 9:
9am-12pm
Trail Karma Opportunity: Biggest Little Trail Stewards are installing more trailhead signage and could use at least three helping hands. For details and to RSVP to Curtis, check the FB event page.
5:45pm
Silver State Striders are meeting at Huffaker Elementary School for 5-7 miles around Bartlett Ranch Regional Park. Flat and hilly options available.
Saturday, September 11:
Silver State Striders have not announced a Saturday run this week.
Trail Outlook
With temps staying below 90 this weekend we are looking at another great outdoors weekend. We do have some active weather in the form of thunderstorms thursday and afternoon winds the rest of the weekend so mornings will be the prime time. Smoke is not out of the picture, but for the moment, winds are expected to mostly keep the valley in the green to yellow. This could change quickly with the increased winds and dry lightning expect thursday night.
If you are planning on heading out from any of the Keystone or Rancho trailheads, give yourself extra travel time. The balloon races are going on all weekend and can really tie up traffic and parking near those trailheads.
Additionally, with the continued forest closures affecting Truckee, Tahoe, and much of the Eastern Sierra, expect to see a few more trail users coming from nearby communities. With the smoke and added trail traffic, it’s a good time to focus on enjoying what outdoor opportunities we have and letting the rest just be what it is. Be kind, be safe, and if you get out, enjoy.
Hot air balloons inflating in the pasture at Rancho San Rafael for the Great Reno Balloon Race. September 9, 2021