5 Hikes Around UNR During COVID-19 Lockdown

During this unprecedented time of society being sheltered, social distancing, closed university campus, and many businesses closed, many people are wondering "What can I do around here?" This is especially true of students of the University of Nevada who don't have a car, and have chosen to stay in Reno during this time, including visiting scholars, international students, and others who can't get back to their hometown.

No library. No student union. No laboratories. No restaurant or drink hangout spots. What can one do? 
The following are healthy alternatives, all involving walking, that also help avoid being crowded in a small room:

Hike to the "N"
This famous viewspot has a satisfying destination of exploring the giant letter "N", and overlooks Reno from the northwest. Easily accessible through Rancho San Rafael Park. 
Directions: Starting from the middle of the UNR campus, walk to 15th street by the Fitness Center, go west, and walk north on Hillside Drive. Cross Sierra Street. Walk into Rancho San Rafael park. Continue on any trail that crosses the giant dog play field. Evenually the trail will go under McCarran Blvd, and out on the north side of the park with is more natural. Follow up along Evans Canyon, and take any trail that goes up Peavine Mountain towards the letter N. Simply follow the "N" and you'll get there. About a 30-45 minute walk one-way. Good additional map directions: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/nevada/miners-trail-to-the-n
When there, enjoy the views, and take a selfie.

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Walk to University Park viewspot
This vista is most spectacular at sunset or at night. Incredible views of the Truckee Meadows . . . Reno and Sparks. Once a hidden gem, this is now known as one of the best views of Reno. 
Directions: from the middle of the UNR campus, walk northeast to Evans Ave. Walk up the road, cross McCarran Blvd. It turns into Socrates Dr. Continue going uphill north for a while. Evenutally, towards the top, go east on University Park loop. You'll find the park part-way up on your right. 
Sit. Relax. Enjoy the views and accomplished hike. It's all downhill from there.
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Visit the downtown Riverwalk
While many businesses may be closed, a leisure stroll along the Truckee River in downtown Reno can be a breath of fresh air. Enjoy the rolling rapids while seeing other joggers and hikers. Consider walking west to see Riverside drive, all the way to Idlewild Park. You may even be able to pick up a grab-and-go drink from a local store or coffeeshop.
Directions: From the middle of the UNR campus, walk directly south along Virginia Street all the way through downtown. When you've reached the Truckee River and the iconic Virginia Street bridge, walk west. Go as far as you like, perhaps to Idlewild Park. 30-45 minute walk one way.

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Midtown Walk
Midtown is quickly becomming the popular district to be in for Reno. Loaded with unique and fun restaurants and drink shops, and independing clothing stores. Yet as of this writing, much is still under construction along the street, in addition to the temporary coronavirus shutdown. It is still a fun neighborhood to walk and explore. Consider walking this neighborhood and make notes of the businesses you want to visit when open.
Directions: Just like the Riverwalk, go south from UNR along Virginia Street. Cross the Truckee River and continue going south. Once you leave the downtown core, ta-da! You're in Midtown. Much of the action is along South Virginia Street, and you can walk back north on Center Street. Consider going as far south as Mt.Rose Street, and see the progress on the soon-to-be walking district. https://www.renomidtowndistrict.com

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Old Southwest Reno Neighborhood Walk
This classic neighborhood is one of the best kept housing districts from Reno's heyday.  Historic homes, and a variety of architecture styles including mansions, Tudor homes, Sears Craftsman homes, Colonial, Americana, Plantation and more. You can see a truly traditional American neighborhood, all built for elite during the time when Reno was a gambling and divorce industrial mecca. Nowadays, these homes are beautifully restored and kept up, with tree-lined streets, just like out of a family movie.
Directions, Just like Midtown, go south from UNR along Virginia Street. After crossing the Truckee River, continue a couple blocks south, and you'll see California Avenue. Go west along California Avenue, several blocks. Cross Arlington St. The entire neighborhood is in this section. Using your maps app, see the classic mansions along California Avenue. The explore the streets of Marsh Ave. Nixon Ave. Bret Harte Ave., and Gordon Ave and smaller cross-streets. Consider exploring these streets all the way south to Mt. Rose street. About a 45-60 minute walk one way.

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There are other areas as well, but these are a start. Making plenty of healthy walking choices to spend part of the day exploring. But as always, during this special time of shutdown, practice social distancing. Stay enough distance from other walkers. Cover your coughs and sneezes with your arm. Perhaps using a mask, and wash hands when finished.
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Post your comments here, show your photos, for a reward. Enjoy exploring Reno!