Galena Forest Estates

Galena Forest Estates is perhaps the best-kept secret in the area. Located just above Montreux, St James, and Scotch Pines in the forested area below Mt. Rose Mountain. 15 minutes to/from the Reno/Tahoe International airport, and a 10-minute drive, weather depending to Mt. Rose ski area.

This is also a very popular area for mountain biking, trail running, and walking. The best times to visit this trail are April through November. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas.

Across the street in Galena Creek Park, you will find miles of wilderness hiking trails that will take you deep into Mt. Rose Wilderness and to the Tahoe Rim Trail if you desire. This is where you find the high desert environment ends and the forest lands begin. At the base of Mt. Rose, you will also see a wonderful natural setting of tall trees, mountain streams, and rocky canyons.

Galena Creek itself also runs through the community which borders Toiyabe National Forest. Here, you will find a mountain-living vibe, where most of the homes are custom.

Developed in 1979, I bought a piece of property here and built a home in 1983. It has since flourished and is now almost built out. Not a single lot is available at present. Two entrances to Galena Forest Estates from Mt. Rose Highway are one on Joy Lake which ends at St. James, a gated community, and one on Douglas Fir Drive which is also the way to enter Scotch Pines, a gated community.

All three communities enjoy 4 distant seasons. Weather ranges from the mid-’20s in January and December to the low 90s in the summer months. From experience, I can assure you that once the sun sets the temperature drops 10 degrees. The most precipitation is in February. It has an HOA fee of $32 a month and this includes snow removal and all roads are maintained by the county. Strict CCR were enforced.