GALENA CREEK VISITOR CENTER

What we do

Welcome to the Galena Creek Recreation Area. We invite you to explore the park where the high desert environment ends and the forest lands begin. You will find yourself at the base of Mt. Rose in a wonderful natural setting of tall trees, mountain streams, and rocky canyons. Hiking and biking trails wind through the forest and into the hills while several lead to ridges providing panoramic views of the valleys below. The Visitor Center offers science rich outdoor educational programs for children and teens, guided nature hikes, and presentations on a variety of Galena Creek related topics most weekends throughout the year. These programs are described below. Welcome to Galena!

Things To Do

Trails, exhibits, flora & Fauna, and wildfire information & safety, and more learning resources.

Youth Exploration Camps

Experience the wonders of nature at Galena Creek Exploration Camps with our passionate team of educators!
field trip

School Field Trips

3-hour, Field Trips for K-12 Students.
​ 6-hour Extended Field Study for 3rd grade-9th grade.

Donate & Support outdoor youth education

Help support our environmental education programs to ignite creativity, cultivate new friendships, and foster the next generation of environmental stewards.

rose-overlook

Galena Creek

On the Road to Lake Tahoe

The Galena Creek Visitors Center is located on the Mt. Rose Scenic Byway, a 22 mile long road that runs from Reno to Incline Village.  It is the highest year around pass in the Sierra and takes travelers through spectacular scenery including fabulous view of Lake Tahoe from far up on the mountainside.  Tahoe, no doubt, is an incredible destination point but getting there should be a wonderful experience, too.  We have information that can help with the trip.  Plan to stop a while at Galena Creek Regional Park to take a hike in the lower elevations.

Birds

Avian Life

The center currently houses a large display of regional birds for visitors to look upon and study.  The specimens are provided by the Lahontan Audubon Society and most who see them are impressed not only by the numbers of species on display but, also, by the dramatic mountings the taxidermists have created. The birds really do seem alive!  The center also offers interpretive displays that help to explain the natural science and the history of the Galena Creek region.   Come visit us.  Enjoy and learn.  No admission charge!