Wedekind Regional Park is located just a few miles north of downtown Sparks—and even though it’s a rare remaining plot of Nevada open space preserved within a city’s limits, it’s often overlooked. With numerous trails maintained throughout and several access points, Wedekind is a great spot to enjoy a slice of nature that could practically be in your backyard.
Wedekind’s main entrance is located off Disc Drive near the intersection with Pyramid Highway. The rocky peak rising up behind Sprouts makes an imposing first impression. The gravel lot at this entrance often includes a portable restroom during warmer seasons, and a large sign welcomes visitors to the network of trails within, all a part of the Sparks Regional Trail System.
There are a handful of pedestrian access points around the perimeter of the park, with another parking area and trailhead at the end of Fourth Street. This space greets you with trees lining the Orr Ditch drainage and a bridge crossing into the park itself. Numerous faux logs and a small shade structure could serve as an outdoor classroom, or just a space to sit and appreciate the beauty of this open space.
Wedekind is evidence of this area’s volcanic history, with—geologically speaking—recent development, between 10-20 million years ago. The link between geological activity and the presence of silver and gold made the land near present-day Wedekind Regional Park a target for mining operations in the late 1890s. At one point, there were dozens of exploratory tunnels in the area. You can learn about the history of mines here at the Fourth Street entrance.
Despite being surrounded on all sides by neighborhoods, major roads and businesses, Wedekind Regional Park contains 250 acres of recreation opportunities. Trails crisscross the whole park and lead up to the tops of both peaks contained within, with strenuous but relatively short hikes to reach the summits. At each top, there is a small shade structure and seating area.
The peaks within Wedekind provide panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Spectacular in any season, they showcase the urban forest of trees in the surrounding Sparks, Reno and Spanish Springs neighborhoods against the backdrop of the Nevada high desert. In spring and summer, this sea of greenery is a wondrous sight—and in the fall, the changing colors are gorgeous.
The trail from the Disc Drive trailhead to the top of the nearest peak and back is a little more than a mile round-trip. Circumnavigating the entire perimeter of the park on established trails is around 4 miles. But with so many trails winding through the space, trail intersections are frequent and create opportunities to “choose your own adventure.” Many of the trails can be rocky and steep, and some contain loose gravel or mud, so they’re best enjoyed on foot. The whole park is a designated off-leash area for dogs as long as they’re under voice control.
On hot days, the tops of the two peaks often still manage to find a cooling breeze, and on cooler days, the sun warms you.
Coyotes are frequent visitors within the park, as are marmots, with eagles and hawks often soaring overhead. Fence lizards dash to and fro, and songbirds nest in the cottonwood trees along Orr Ditch, which runs along portions of the west, south and east borders.
Though there are no trees growing in the main part of Wedekind—there are some along Orr Ditch—the park still has a lot to offer on summer days. Heading out early in the morning often allows for solitude, and most weekdays see few visitors to the park. On hot days, the tops of the two peaks often still manage to find a cooling breeze, and on cooler days, the sun warms you.
Whether you’re looking for a reason to get off the busy Pyramid Highway during rush hour, or want to enjoy a quick early-morning jaunt with your dog, Wedekind Regional Park has something to offer in every season.
Despite being surrounded on all sides by neighborhoods, major roads and businesses, Wedekind Regional Park contains 250 acres of recreation opportunities. Photo/Maggie Nichols