Reno, Nevada

Reno is the gateway to the Lake Tahoe area and an adventure in its own right. With comfortable lodging and delicious food and drink in town to day trips into the Sierras, Reno is an under-the-radar mecca for anyone who loves the mountains.

Top Spots in and near Reno

  • Carson City, Nevada

    Kings Canyon Falls

    4.0
    0.63 mi / 233 ft gain
    ...Living in California, I know all about waterfalls! For me personally though, no matter the shape or size of the waterfall, it has my interest. Now when it comes to Nevada, I honestly can't think of too many waterfalls off the top of my head, but when you're passing through a town that you're u...
    Read more
  • Carson City, Nevada

    Riverview Park Loop

    4.0
    1.64 mi / 23 ft gain
    Riverview Park Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Carson City, Nevada.
    Read more
  • Truckee, California

    China Cove Loop at Donner Lake

    4.6
    3.11 mi / 207 ft gain
    This is a casual hike in an area with a ton of history. Stop by the museum before or after your hike to learn about the Donner Party, the Transcontinental Railroad, and local Native Americans Park at the Donner Lake and Memorial State Park Visitor Center and walk west towards the lake. Cross the...
    Read more
  • Carson City, Nevada

    Hike to Secret Cove

    5.0
    0.9 mi / 209 ft gain
    Take a short little hike down from HWY 28 to Secret Cove to relax on the beach on sunbathe on rocks. The water is incredibly clear and has different shades of turquoise. There are many rocks to climb on and the water is great for swimming. It gets crowded early, and is a nude beach, so plan accor...
    Read more
  • Carson City, Nevada

    Secret Harbor / Whale Beach

    4.0
    1.67 mi / 384 ft gain
    Secret Harbor / Whale Beach is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Carson City, Nevada.
    Read more
  • Reno, Nevada

    Rock Climb The Pig

    Pig Rock, aka The Pig, as its name suggests, is a pig-looking outcrop of volcanic tuff that has a variety of routes great for training and being introduced to trad climbing. There is no approach to the routes themselves, as you can park right at the base of The Pig. To get there, take Hwy 445/Pyr...
    Read more
  • Reno, Nevada

    Hike to the Monkey Condos and Needle Rock

    7.25 mi / 1600 ft gain
    This loop takes hikers past several features and areas of interest hidden in the Virginia Mountains about 25 miles north of Reno. These mountains are scenic and rugged, with towering dramatic features that make visitors feel immensely small amidst them. Couple that with how few visitors these roa...
    Read more
  • Carson City, Nevada

    Hike to Skunk Harbor

    4.5
    The parking for Skunk Beach is very limited and a little difficult to find. Make sure you get there early if you want a spot. The parking is a turnoff along highway 28, about two miles north of the junction with highway 50. There is no trail sign or anything but there is an old green pipe gate wh...
    Read more
  • Carson City, Nevada

    Skunk Harbor

    4.0
    2.83 mi / 564 ft gain
    Skunk Harbor is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Glenbrook, Nevada.
    Read more
  • 39.333252,-120.289482

    Donner Lake Rim Trail: Johnson Canyon to Trout Creek

    18.27 mi / 2949 ft gain
    A perfect Sunday hike on your way back from a weekend at Lake Tahoe. Exit I-80 at Donner Lake and take the dirt road on the north side of I-80 to a large parking lot. A mild climb followed by a set of tougher switchbacks leads you to great views from Donner Ridge. Although adventuring out on t...
    Read more
  • Truckee, California

    Donner Lake Public Docks

    4.5
    In the northwest corner of Donner Lake, there are public docks run by the Truckee Donner Recreation & Parks district. It's free to lay out your towels and hang out, but there is a fee for launching boats on the ramp. Come over in the late afternoon, enjoy the sunset, and go for a swim as the ...
    Read more
  • Tahoe City, California

    Purple Trail and Burton Creek Loop

    3.76 mi / 492 ft gain
    Burton Creek State Park is a moderate hike. It is a secluded peaceful hike that offers amazing views of the lake. This is a popular spot for mountain bikers, but is also ideal for hiking.  Much of the trail is through the forest and there are many maps and signs pointing out the trails. The hike ...
    Read more
  • Tahoe City, California

    Photograph the Lupine at Lake Forest Beach

    A quick walk through Lake Forest Beach in Tahoe City, California provides unparalleled opportunities to photograph expansive fields of lupine. These brilliant purple wildflowers cover the lowland shore of this public beach each summer, typically starting in mid-July through mid-August. In drought...
    Read more
  • Carson City, Nevada

    Hike the Spooner Lake Loop

    2.2 mi / 150 ft gain
    The Spooner Lake Loop is perfect for any ages since there is basically no elevation gain and many benches along the trail to rest. The trail offers many educational signs describing the history, and flora and fauna of the area. This man made lake is perfect for the kids and pup. They will love th...
    Read more
  • Tahoe City, California

    Paddle Commons Beach

    5.0
    Commons Beach is a small beach and park on the northwest side of the lake. It is located very close to the CA-89 exit, so is ideal for road trip stops. There is a park for kids, and a grassy area near the beach. The beach itself is on the smaller side, but is relatively uncrowded. This area of th...
    Read more
  • Reno, Nevada

    Catch a Sunset at Pyramid Lake

    Catching a Sunset at Pyramid Lake is a unique experience. The high desert lake is surrounded by mountains, and strange rock formations. The reds and browns of the surrounding desert landscape light up during sunset. Combined with the blue salt water lake make for an amazing sunset. The lake will ...
    Read more