Weekend Outlook 9/08-9/11, 2022

Trail Traffic Warning:

• This Thursday through Sunday, the balloon races will bring a lot of spectators to the Upper Rancho and Keystone Canyon trails. Neighborhood roads including North McCarran will also be very busy in the mornings with some traffic controls for balloon crews and spectators entering and exiting Rancho San Rafael Regional Park. If you wish to avoid the crowds, access Peavine through the Hoge Road or Las Brisas trailheads. Expect Rancho, Keystone, and Kings Row trailheads and nearby trails to be busier than usual.

Trail Damage Warning:

• Whites Creek had some serious flooding in the early August round of downpours. Major trail damage along much of the lower section of trail as well as some of the upper section. The local trail managers are all aware of the damage and would appreciate users seeking alternate routes until they are able to get repairs done. Due to the extensive nature of the current damage, that may not be this year. If you are planning on doing the Dry Pond loop, be careful or consider an out and back on the Thomas Creek side.

Trail Karma Opportunity:

• Biggest Little Trail Stewards along with American Trails will be providing trail crew training for free September 24 & 25. If you have ever considered volunteering for trail days, this is how you can get skilled up to organize and lead those vital activities. This two-day event will offer free trainings to new and existing trail enthusiasts interested in building the skills needed to maintain trails well. Meet new trails folks or connect with old trail friends while learning the fundamental skills of trail design, planning, construction, and maintenance, as well as crew leadership. Additional information and signups can be had at the link here.

Weekend Events:

Here are the events that are on the radar for this weekend:

• Thursday, September 08:

• 6:00 am

  • The IsPeavineDry.com Peavine easy ride will roll out from the Keystone East trailhead. This mountain bike ride goes for between 60 to 90 minutes and is always easy effort stay together ride. This may be a slower ride than usual because of the Balloon races. Expect extra foot traffic on the trails and, wind dependent, balloon landings nearby. If you have never ridden Keystone Canyon before, please let me know when you arrive. See you bright and early!

• 5:45 pm

  • Silver State Striders are not organizing an official Thursday run but encouraging their members to coordinate between themselves. Check their Facebook Group Page for any unofficial group runs.

• Friday, September 09:

  • 4:45 am

    • Radical Adventure Riders (RAR) Reno and Northern Nevada Bikepacking are teaming up to bring you Coffee Outside. This week’s morning cup of micro-adventure on bikes will meet at Wingfield park at First and Arlington. This is a special Coffee Outside because they will be riding up to Rancho San Rafael to watch the Great Reno Balloon Races Glow Show and Dawn Patrol. This is entirely worth getting up early for. Bring your bike lights, a blanket, and some warm layers. More information about joining can be found by following @coffeeoutsidereno on Instagram.

• Saturday, September 10:

  • 8:00 am

    • Silver State Striders are not organizing an official long run but encouraging their members to coordinate between themselves. Check their Facebook Group Page for any unofficial group runs.

  • TBD

    • Radical Adventure Riders (RAR) Reno are leading their mid-autumn camping trip. This is not a bikepacking trip, but a camp out that is expected to feature bikes. For more information, follow @rar.reno on Instagram.

  • 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

    • (Rescheduled to Next Week Due to Smoke) Northern Nevada Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) is holding their second race weekend for all the middle and high school mountain bike riders at the Walker River State Recreation Area in Yerington, Nevada. The event booklet with schedule, volunteer, and registration links can be found here. Saturdays are for course setup and pre-ride events through 4pm. Volunteers are always very appreciated and you get all the training you need on site.

• Sunday, September 11:

  • 6:45 am - 4:00 pm

    • (Rescheduled to Next Week Due to Smoke) Northern Nevada Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) is holding their second race weekend for all the middle and high school mountain bike riders at the Walker River State Recreation Area in Yerington, Nevada. The event booklet with schedule, volunteer, and registration links can be found here. Sunday is race day, awards, and course tear down. Volunteers are always very appreciated and you get all the training you need on site.

Trail Outlook

• Hot but cooling with a slim chance of rain. Overall an absolutely gorgeous weekend coming up. Still hot Thursday and Friday with temperatures finally coming off their highs as we get deeper into the weekend. Saturday and Sunday evening have an outside chance of afternoon rain but at the moment we’re not expecting major measurable amounts so you may get away with being out on the trails even if these come to pass. Evening winds are expected to be calmer and mornings practically no wind. Beautiful forecast for Balloon Race weekend. Get out while it’s good!

If you get out, let us know what you saw by submitting a trail report.

Be kind, be safe, and enjoy.

Top to bottom dry.