May 16th • Trails to Tales Hidden Valley Highland Loop

Trails to Tales is a chance to explore beautiful local landscapes with fellow writers, guided through the trails with discussions on scene, works of literature, and journal prompts to provoke inspiration and (hopefully) a means of getting unstuck in your current writing projects. 

Trails to Tales • Hidden Valley Highland Loop

This hike is specifically designed for our senior population.

• Date:  Friday, May 16, 2025
• Time:  1:00-3:00
• Location:  Hidden Valley Highland • 4740 Parkway Dr, Reno
• Distance:  2.3 miles 
• Difficulty Level:  Challenging
• Elevation Gain:  330 feet
• Trail Type:  Mixed, dirt and rock
• Amenities:  Year-round restrooms and benches

REGISTRATION LINK:  Trails to Tales • May 16th

• $25 Single Ticket/General
• $45 Buddy/General
• $20 Single/Artist Member Discount
• $35 Buddy/Artist Member Discount

While hiking, the host will provide prompts based on the landscape and flora of the hike. The goal of this walking workshop is to provide a different setting to provoke inspiration and hopefully forward movement in stagnant work. It is also a great chance to grow your writing community, find support, have a dedicated writing time, and a chance to experience new settings around Reno.  Space is limited. Registration closes 24 hours prior to event.

“I didn’t feel sad or happy. I didn’t feel proud or ashamed. I only felt that in spite of all the things I’d done wrong, in getting myself here, I’d done right.”
― Cheryl Strayed, Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail

Wild takes place in two environments: the Pacific Crest Trail and the author’s head (reviewing her past experiences). What made this book incredibly successful was its ability to flip from the backstory of her trauma (like death and drug addiction) to her present experiences hiking along the trail. She was able to blend so seamlessly that the story remained grounded and easy to follow.

Based on Cheryl Strayed’s Wild, we’ll use prompts to inspire writing centered on both present and past, getting more comfortable blending the two through the use of environmental cues. Does the scent of sage remind your character of their childhood? What scene pops into their head while walking through the brush? Join us for a chance to dive deeper into a character’s life that you’ve been writing about or invent a new character on trail –– either way, come with an open mind. The only rule is that there is no erasing!

NOTE: The Highland Loop has places with narrowed tread and steep drop offs. Loose rocks should be expected along both routes. Wild horses might be sighted along both trails.

Who is this for: 

Trails to Tales is designed for writers from all genres, this event is great for those looking for a change in their writing routine, one that literally adds forward movement, gets them outside, and introduces them to a community of fellow writers to support, provide perspective, and cheer on. This workshop aims to be inclusive to people’s physical needs and is offered at varying ability levels. Check event specifics for more details of each event. All group members must be able to walk at least one mile and have the ability to be on their feet for up to an hour. These events are open to all ages (minors must be accompanied by parents or guardians) and all writing levels. 

Group members who need special accommodation should reach out directly to our event host Helena Guglielmino at helena@sierra-arts.org.  Please do not hesitate to reach out directly to our event host to request a slower or more challenging event.

Though these events are geared toward writers with specific writing prompts to advance story ideas, artists from other mediums are welcome to join and encouraged to share their visual perspective to the writing prompts and challenged to translate their medium to the written word to better understand their craft. If you are a visual artist and are interested in a similar event specifically geared specifically toward visual artists, please reach out to Tia Flores at tia@sierraarts.org. 

What to Bring: 

Writing materials for hiking time will be provided, though writers are encouraged to bring their laptop, tablet, or whatever they use for the writing time. Wear boots or shoes with good traction and support. Our host will send an email out with weather specifics a week before the event, but be prepared with appropriate layers. Please download map of hike prior to arriving. Bring open minds and kind support to fellow writers. More specifics can be found on the Sierra Arts website, in individual event postings and in week-of emails from the host. 

About the Host: 

Helena Guglielmino is a freelance writer whose work has appeared in Wide Open Spaces, Outdoors, Save the Redwoods League, and more. She currently writes the monthly outdoor column for Reno News & Review. Urban Trails, Reno is her forthcoming hiking guide (Fall 2025) that explores 42 trails close to home. She is an avid hiker who knows the region’s routes like the back of her hand and has through-hiked the Tahoe Rim Trail and John Muir Trail. Find examples of her work at storiesbyhelena.com. 

FAQ: 

• Are pets allowed? For the safety of all workshop members and to help keep focus in the group, pets will not be allowed to join, exceptions made for certified service animals. 
• How far will we walk/how challenging will the hike be? Each hike explores a different area of town, resulting in varying levels of challenge. Specific event registration pages will provide mileage, terrain profiles, and rating from easy to challenging. 
• Will we see wildlife? It is very possible that we will see wildlife while hiking. The most common sightings will be birds and small rodents or rabbits. There is always a chance that we see coyotes, bobcats, horses, snakes, bears, or deer. We will never approach a wild animal. For wildlife safety, visit NDOW’s “Living with Wildlife” article. 
• Will there be first aid supplies handy? Our host, Helena, has valid wilderness first aid and CPR certifications. She will bring a first aid kit to every event. Participants are encouraged to bring basic supplies with them, plus any specific supplies recommended by their doctors like inhalers, EPI pens, medications, etc. 

Sierra Arts Literary Community (SALC) is a group dedicated to local writers, aspiring writers, poets, illustrators, readers, and literary enthusiasts.  Sierra Arts Foundation has created a dedicated space in the Depot Gallery for literary artists and literary groups within the region to meet, perform readings, offer writing workshops, and sell their published books.

To learn more about Sierra Arts Literary Community, please contact Tia Flores at tia@sierraarts.org.