Located just north of Highway 50 and east of Highway 95, Rattlesnake Hill offers sweeping views of the rugged Fallon landscape. In this area, where the vibrant, wide-open space stretches far beyond where the eye can see, this iconic landmark stands out and invites visitors to answer its call for adventure. A go-to spot for outdoor enthusiasts, Rattlesnake Hill is the best place to test your skills while simultaneously taking in the beauty of Nevada’s terrain.
The History Of The Name
Rattlesnake Hill has indisputably stood as a staple of the Fallon landscape and identity. In a 1860s survey, it was described as “the little hill east of Ragtown.” By 1913, the hill still lacked an official name, so the ladies of the Artemisia Club were given the highly coveted task. In the end, they were able to come together to choose the name Mt. Toyeh. Derived from the Paiute word Toyeh, which means “a heap of sand or rocks,” this name seemed fitting as the hill is located near the Fallon Paiute-Shoshone Tribe’s lands. However, despite all the time and effort that went into deciding this name, it would not last. Over time, people slowly began to adopt a new name, the one that is still used to this day, “Rattlesnake Hill.”
Hiking and Biking Adventures
Whatever name you know it by, Rattlesnake Hill remains a local favorite and go-to spot for adventurers in Fallon. Located just north of the highway, this 3.2-mile trail winds through a peaceful pocket of land, offering a moderately challenging loop with beautifully captivating views of the town for any hiker, mountain biker, or runner looking to take it on. Surrounded by sweeping views of over 150 mountains in the area, every outing here offers a new perspective of the beauty of Fallon and all it has to offer.
In addition to its popular outdoor adventures, you can also stop at the nearby Rattlesnake Raceway, the oldest continuously operated oval track racing facility in the state of Nevada. This hub for racing enthusiasts delivers edge-of-your-seat excitement and is an undisputed must-stop destination along your journey through Fallon. Or if your idea of adventure looks a little more rugged, make your way to Sand Mountain for some off-roading across sweeping dunes. No matter what thrill you are interested in pursuing, this is definitely the area for you.
While on your journey through Nevada, be sure to add Rattlesnake Hill to your list of places to go while in town! With so much opportunity for satisfying your pursuit of adventure and unveiling another layer of what makes Fallon so special, you’ll find that this destination is more than just a stop along your trip. This is the kind of place where moments become stories you’ll be telling for a long time. So, whether you’re tackling the winding trail or staring out across the open desert landscape, Rattlesnake Hill offers a memorable experience you simply won’t want to miss!