Visitor information

Apply for a visit to this incredibly beautiful hanging valley with its meadow system, quaking aspens, Jeffrey pines and intact wildlife populations.

At this time, access to Whittell is limited to a four-wheel drive road. The trip takes roughly 1.5 hours from the University’s main campus. Approvals will be limited to groups with four-wheel drive vehicles and a history of backcountry driving experience.

Close up of white flowers growing on a forest floor in the Whittell Forest & Wildlife Area

Online reservation system

Submit your project or event details (contact info, project abstract, methods and permits) and your request dates.

A wooden zigzagging fence across a large, mountain meadow in the Whittell Forest & Wildlife Area

Map & directions

Due to access limitations, maps with marked routes and driving directions will be made available upon approval of reservation requests.

An instructor and two students doing field work for a course at the Whittell Forest & Wildlife Area

Policies & regulations

Please review the policies and regulations of Whittell prior to your visit.

Events

View of the Little Valley meadow with a spring purple flower bloom

Little Valley Fall Forest Festival

Sept. 8-9, 2023: Join us for an interactive open house to learn about the range of research and creative activities happening in the forest, and to participate in science! You can camp overnight on Friday, or come Saturday for a day of fun and education.

Black bear in the Whittell Forest & Wildlife Area

Little Valley Bioblitz

Annual spring event: Calling all local wildland enthusiasts, nature lovers, scientists and explorers! Join us for a weekend of biological surveys and camping within the Little Valley at the University of Nevada, Reno’s Whittell Forest & Wildlife Area.