Sierra Front Trail: Thomas-Creek-to-Ballardini-Ranch section

Sierra foothills west of Reno with Mount Peavine in the far back (upper right corner)

At Thomas Creek Trailhead

The Thomas-Creek-to-Ballardini-Ranch section of the Sierra Front Trail is a 6.4-mile-long single-track trail—one way—through the Sierra foothills southwest of Reno in Nevada. It is open for walking, running, hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. This trail connects the Ballardini Ranch Trailhead with the Jones/Whites/Thomas Creeks Trail System, providing access to the Dry Pond Loop and the Rim to Reno Trail.

Extensions of the Sierra Front Trail are planned. Once completed, you will be able to travel on a single-track trail from the Truckee River to Woodfords, California [1].  

The Sierra Front Trail southwest of Reno: your path through hilly open space

Getting to the Ballardini Ranch Trailhead

From South McCarran Blvd in Reno, turn south onto Lakeside Drive. Head southbound for about two miles to the Lakeside Dr/Lone Tree Ln junction. Turn right onto Lone Tree Ln and continue eastbound for about one mile to the entrance sign for the Ballardini Ranch parking lot. Start out from the bathroom and follow the trail up the rocky hillside. Soon you will arrive at a trail junction. Turn left and head west. Within less than a mile you will get the Sierra Front Trail sign. The trail climbs out of a small canyon onto a saddle. The trail continues in mostly southward direction. With only a few short rocky sections, enjoy a smooth trail through open space with views of Reno, the Arrow Creek area, Galena and the Virginia Range.

The Great Basin Bicycles portal has a website with a detailed description of the Sierra Front Trail for mountain bikers riding south from the Ballardini Ranch Trailhead to Thomas Creek and beyond 2].

Getting to the Thomas Creek Trailhead

From South Reno head eastbound for about two miles on Mt. Rose Highway (State Route 431). Turn right onto Timberline Drive and follow this road to the Thomas Creek Road (FS 049) junction. Continue another 0.1 mile to the large lot. The trail to the Ballardini Ranch starts out northbound at the northeast corner of the parking area.

About half-way between the Ballardini and and Thomas Creek trailheads: the Sierra Front Trail loops around a creek

Further reading

[1] Amy Alonzo: Southwest Reno's new Sierra Front Trail connects Thomas Creek and Ballardini Ranch. Reno Gazette Journal, August 18, 2022. URL: https://www.rgj.com/story/news/2022/08/18/reno-nevada-hiking-sierra-front-trail-thomas-creek-ballardini-ranch/10351575002/.

[2] Sierra Front Trail - Ballardini Ranch to Thomas Creek Parking Area. September 26, 2022. URL: https://www.greatbasinbicycles.com/new-blog/2022/9/26/sierra-front-trail-ballardini-ranch-to-thomas-creek-parking-area. 

Sierra Front foothills