Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Elevation Gain
210.00 ft (64.01 m)
Trail type
Loop
Distance
3.80 mi (6.12 km)
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In an area that doesn't have any real amount of marked trails, Rattlesnake Hill has a good amount of trails for hikers and mountain bikers, which you can typically hit and find with few, if any, other visitors.

Surrounded by quiet roads, the Rattlesnake Hill Loop can be accessed from parking beside the cemetery. From here, one path makes its way up from the intersection toward the interior of the hill. There are probably dozens of trails ranging from single tracks to ORV trails to dirt roads all intersecting and networking their way around the hill, however one path circles the perimeter, and once you're on it, it's easy to continue on the track. 

The Loop path tends to be single track with a few areas of soft sand and hard black rocks, however for the most part its packed dirt. There are a few interesting features along the way such as small wooden foot bridges and sections seemingly paved with a patchwork of concrete and brick. The views on the northeast side are less than exceptional, though after gaining a bit of elevation, wider views open up over the tree-lined town of Fallon. Those wanting to veer off from the loop and head up one of the other paths toward the peak can easily do so.

In addition to hikers, Rattlesnake Hill, including the Loop Trail, is popular with mountain bikers, who can find some technical sections along with flowy downhill. For both bikers and hikers, the elevation difference of only a couple hundred feet means that the trail is easy to moderate, with the worst part maybe being the lack of any type of shade or water or bathrooms.

In all, the loop trail is 3.8 miles. Hikers can easily take one of the more direct shortcuts, or add some additional trails to adjust the hike to their desire.

With its close proximity to the core area of Fallon, Rattlesnake Hill may be one of the best options for those in the area looking to get out and stretch their legs a little bit.

 

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Low

Parking Pass

None

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Lots of trail spurs and options.

Cons

No shade. No amenities.

Trailhead Elevation

3,965.00 ft (1,208.53 m)

Highest point

4,040.00 ft (1,231.39 m)

Features

Big vistas
Family friendly
Wildflowers

Typically multi-day

No

Suitable for

Biking
Horseback

Permit required

No

Location

Nearby Adventures

Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge, Nevada
Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge, Nevada
Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge, Nevada

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Fort Churchill State Historic Park
Fort Churchill State Historic Park
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