Huffaker Hills
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| Huffaker Hills | |
|---|---|
 Rattlesnake Mountain, the volcanic butte with the highest elevation | |
| Highest point | |
| Peak | 5,014 feet (1,528 m), Rattlesnake Mountain |
| Prominence | 542.5 ft (165.4 m)[1] |
| Isolation | 2.4 mi (3.9 km)[1] |
| Naming | |
| Etymology | Granville Huffaker |
| Geography | |
| Location | Washoe County, Nevada, United States |
Huffaker Hills is a collection of volcanic domes in Washoe County, Nevada, near Reno–Tahoe International Airport. The peak at Rattlesnake Mountain lies at 5,014 feet (1,528 m) above sea level. The domes were created by volcanic activity between 1.14 and 2.53 million years ago. There are hiking opportunities.
Etymology
[edit]Huffaker Hills is named after Granville Huffaker, a rancher who settled in the Truckee Meadows in 1858.[2] Rattlesnake Mountain was named for its rattlesnake populations.[3]
Geology
[edit]Volcanic activity between 1.14 and 2.53 million years ago formed Steamboat Hills and Huffaker Hills. They are part of a collection of cone–shaped volcanic domes, and related andesite flows that formed a stratovolcano complex.[4] The individual hills are volcanic buttes.[5] Faults run through the area.[6]
Geography
[edit]
The hills are in a grass prairie near Reno–Tahoe International Airport.[7] Huffaker Hills also lies near a departing airway.[5]
Wildfires
[edit]In September 2010, a wildfire caused by illegal fireworks burned just over 80 acres (32 ha) on Rattlesnake Mountain and prompted evacuations for nearby residents.[8] On June 27, 2024, a 0.25 acres (0.10 ha) brush fire caused power outages for roughly 400 citizens.[9] On July 5 that same year, fireworks were the probable cause of a 14 acres (5.7 ha) brush fire.[10] On July 1, 2025, the Barron Fire ignited from a resident operating machinery that threw sparks. The fire burned 290 acres (120 ha), closing several local roads, and prompted evacuations.[11][12] A man was arrested on several charges, among of which arson, for starting a wildfire that burned just over 11 acres (4.5 ha).[13]
Ecology
[edit]Huffaker Hills has seasonal wildflowers, including Balsamorhiza hookeri. There are also bird, butterfly, lizard, and rabbit species.[7] Rattlesnake Mountain has rattlesnake populations.[3]
Recreation
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Huffaker Hills are four dirt trails: Huffaker Hills Trailhead, Lakeview Loop Trail, Twin Peaks Trial, and Western Loop Trail.[3] Additionally, there are picnic benches and formerly portable toilets, which were removed during the COVID-19 pandemic.[14] Departing planes from Reno–Tahoe International Airport can be seen.[7]
References
[edit]- 1 2 "Rattlesnake Mountain, Nevada". www.peakbagger.com. Retrieved July 25, 2026.
- ↑ Barber, Alicia (October 11, 2017). "Before Reno And Sparks, There Was Huffaker's". www.kunr.org. Retrieved July 25, 2026.
- 1 2 3 "Hiking the Huffaker Hills in Reno". www.newtoreno.com. Retrieved July 25, 2026.
- ↑ Ressel, Mike; Micander, Rachel; Hursh, Jack; Russel, Steve; Sophy, Matthew. "Draft Field Trip Guide" (PDF). nbmg.unr.edu. pp. 8, 15. Retrieved July 25, 2026.
- 1 2 "Rattlesnake Mountain". www.onxmaps.com. Retrieved July 25, 2026.
- ↑ Bingler, E.C. (March 1975). "GUIDEBOOK TO THE QUATERNARY GEOLOGY ALONG THE WESTERN FLANK OF THE TRUCKEE MEADOWS, WASHOE COUNTY, NEVADA" (PDF). data.nbmg.unr.edu. p. 10. Retrieved July 25, 2026.
- 1 2 3 "Huffaker for Huge Views". www.weekendsherpa.com. May 14, 2025. Retrieved July 25, 2026.
- ↑ "Fireworks caused brush fire in Reno hills". Nevada Appeal. September 15, 2020. Retrieved July 25, 2026.
- ↑ Sheridan, Kevin (June 27, 2024). "Small brush fire knocks out power for hundreds in south Reno". KOLO-TV. Retrieved July 25, 2026.
- ↑ Meehan, Jeffrey (July 6, 2024). "Fireworks likely cause of 14-acre fire in Huffaker Hills, two others". Reno Gazette-Journal. Retrieved July 25, 2026.
- ↑ Sheridan, Kevin (July 3, 2025). "Investigators determine cause of Barron Fire as containment reaches 90%". KOLO-TV. Retrieved July 25, 2026.
- ↑ Hackbarth, Kristen (July 1, 2025). "Barron Fire prompts evacuations in southeast Reno". This is Reno. Retrieved July 25, 2026.
- ↑ O'Boyle, Brenna (July 23, 2026). "Police arrest suspect following Barron Fire investigation". KTVN. Retrieved July 25, 2026.
- ↑ Nichols, Maggie (March 10, 2023). "In-city respites: Rattlesnake Mountain and Huffaker Hills offer approachable and beautiful trails". renonr.com. Retrieved July 25, 2026.
