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Truckee, California

Truckee, California, is an adventurer's paradise. With its stunning mountain scenery, meandering rivers, and lush forests, the area is a great destination for activities and attractions. From top-rated trails and scenic hikes to must-visit adventures, the area offers plenty of opportunities to explore the great outdoors. Popular attractions in and near Truckee include Donner Lake, Donner Memorial State Park, and the Truckee River. For those looking for an outdoor experience, the nearby Sierra Nevada Mountains offer a variety of activities, including rock climbing, mountain biking, and skiing. Additionally, the area is home to a number of smaller parks, perfect for a picnic or a leisurely stroll. With its abundance of activities and attractions, Truckee, California, is the perfect place to experience the best of nature.

Top Spots in and near Truckee

  • Tahoe City, California

    Hike the Ellis Peak Trail

    5.0
    6.3 mi / 1660 ft gain
    The Ellis Peak Trail is close to North Lake Tahoe. The trail features scenic wildflowers in the spring and summer. Dogs are allowed on the trail but must be kept on leash.  Directions from Truckee: Take Highway 80 south and drive to Tahoe City - continue south on Highway 89 from Tahoe City for 4....
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  • 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...
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  • 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.
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  • Reno, Nevada

    Hunter Creek Trail

    3.0
    6.43 mi / 1362 ft gain
    Just outside of Reno find a fun little hike through the hills along a creek, ending at a beautiful waterfall.  The trail is heavily trafficked and easy to follow with two creek crossings.  It is mostly a moderate but steady climb on the way out, with just a few steep spots. The parking lot has ...
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  • Emigrant Gap, California

    33mi Loop to Donner Lake

    33 mi
    We love this 33-mile loop on old Highway 40 from Cisco Grove to Donner Lake and back. It has just about everything: a few flats, a long slow pull, rollers, a screaming downhill, a tough Alpine climb and a long, cruising downhill. Not to mention altitude. The ride starts at a little above 6,000 fe...
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  • 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...
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  • 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.
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  • Reno, Nevada

    West Plateau Loop

    3.0
    3.15 mi / 312 ft gain
    West Plateau Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Reno, Nevada.
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  • Reno, Nevada

    Dorostkar Park Nature Trail

    3.0
    1.48 mi / 39 ft gain
    Dorostkar Park Nature Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Reno, Nevada.
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  • Tahoma, California

    Backpack to Crag Lake

    4.0
    11.1 mi / 1220 ft gain
    Day 1:This trip is a great early season trip while you are waiting for the snow to melt in the high country or it could be a good first backpacking trip because of its proximity to the trailhead and the fact that it's a relatively easy hike.  Also, you get to camp by a beautiful lake with a drama...
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  • Tahoma, California

    Meeks Bay

    4.7
    Nestled along the southwest shore of Lake Tahoe, Meeks Bay is a great destination offering a blend of outdoor adventure and relaxation. With its crystal-clear waters and sandy beaches, Meeks Bay is great for swimming especially on hot summer days or after hitting the trails. Whether you're see...
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  • South Lake Tahoe, California

    Paddle from Meeks Bay to D.L. Bliss

    The water at Meeks Bay is perfectly crystal clear, a mix of different blues and greens – you can see the bottom floor in most places. Hug the buoy line to have a clear view to the lake's bottom, or cruise the dark blue waters where the lake falls off from 20ft deep to some of its deepest levels o...
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  • Reno, Nevada

    Upper Chalk Creek Trail

    4.0
    1.44 mi / 121 ft gain
    Upper Chalk Creek Trail is an out-and-back trail located near Reno, Nevada.
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  • 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...
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  • Reno, Nevada

    Peavine Peak Trail

    3.0
    8.89 mi / 2913 ft gain
    Peavine Peak Trail is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Reno, Nevada.
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  • Placer County, California

    Paddle Lake Valley Reservoir

    A perfect adventure spot off Highway 80, Lake Valley Reservoir offers paddlers prime parking and a paved boat launch to push off on a mountain lake with an island for picnicking. Lake speed is 10 mph so fishing boats with outboards are allowed but they have to take it slow.  Post launch, head le...
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