Upper Galena Falls

Upper Galena Falls is a scenic 40-foot waterfall on Galena Creek in the Mount Rose Wilderness, located in the Sierra Nevada foothills south of Reno. The waterfall drops over a volcanic rock ledge into a small pool surrounded by Jeffrey pines and mountain mahogany, creating a peaceful woodland scene at nearly 8,000 feet elevation. During peak spring runoff, the creek runs fast and the falls are surprisingly forceful for a Great Basin waterfall. The surrounding Mount Rose Wilderness offers a rugged, high-desert beauty that is distinctly different from the Sierra's western slope.

The trail to Upper Galena Falls is approximately 4.5 miles round trip with about 900 feet of elevation gain through the Galena Creek drainage. The lower section passes through Galena Creek Regional Park before entering national forest land. The trail follows the creek upstream, crossing it several times on rocks and logs. The forest transitions from pinyon-juniper woodland to a thicker canopy of white fir and Jeffrey pine as you gain elevation. The upper falls require a short off-trail scramble from the main trail.

The best time to visit is May through July when snowmelt from the Mount Rose area feeds the creek at its strongest. The trail is generally accessible from April through November, with wildflowers in June and July. Galena Creek Regional Park at the base provides picnic areas and interpretive nature trails. The combination of waterfall, mountain scenery, and accessible location make this one of the best day hikes in the Reno-Tahoe area.