When you’re craving access to the outdoors, nothing beats a basecamp that puts you right in the middle of the action. Situated at the crossroads of the Sierra Nevada range and Nevada’s high desert, Reno Tahoe fits the bill. At the heart of it all is Reno, The Biggest Little City in the World. This colorful and dynamic city anchors a broader region where alpine recreation meets wild open spaces, putting an outsized roster of adventures within easy reach. From destination classics like Lake Tahoe to adrenaline-filled whitewater runs and overlooked trail systems — not to mention the eclectic tastes of a unique desert culture mixed in — you’ll want to make some room on the travel calendar for everything Reno Tahoe has in store.
Northern Nevada’s Biggest Lake(s)
You may have heard of a not-so-little body of water called Lake Tahoe. Just 30 minutes from downtown Reno, this massive alpine lake — the largest in North America — sits at 6,200 feet and is a recreational dream. (Think: paddleboarding at Sand Harbor, beach days, and boat tours.) But it’s not the only game in town.
Drive 40 minutes in the opposite direction, northeast of Reno, to Pyramid Lake, northern Nevada’s second biggest lake. Here, the high-desert scenery and tufa rock formations offer a wholly different experience compared to the treelined shores of Lake Tahoe. Launch your kayak from the southwestern shore of the lake to paddle near Anaho Island, a national wildlife refuge that’s a major nesting ground for one of the largest colonies of American white pelicans. Since the lake is a sacred landmark for the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, the shores of the island and certain sections of the lake are not open to the public. You can still observe the birds and marvel at the unique geology while paddling a safe distance (500 feet) from shore.
Don’t Miss: Go fishing for a legendary Lahontan cutthroat trout — the largest trout species in the Sierra Nevada — at Pyramid Lake, where a 41-pound Lahontan set the record as the largest ever caught.
Local Tip: The restaurant at Pyramid Lake Lodge is your best lunch option after you get off the water. Or grab a snack at the market and save your appetite for dinner at the Wild River Grille back in Reno. The panko-encrusted, lemon-dill trout (tip: add the potatoes roasted in duck fat) gives you a fresh-caught experience when you don’t have access to your own kitchen.
And the Wild River that Connects Them
The 120-mile Truckee River, which flows from Lake Tahoe and Pyramid Lake, cuts right through the heart of downtown Reno and is a central part of life in the city, both on and off the water. Grab a tube and set out on a relaxing river float from Mayberry or Dorostkar parks on the west side of town. Or hone your paddling skills at the channels, waves, and pool-drop features of the Truckee River Whitewater Park, which caters to kayakers of all skill levels. (Upriver, a nearly 30-mile section of Class II-IV rapids offers a more challenging run for experienced paddlers and guided raft tours.)
For ideal in-town tubing, wait for lower water levels (200-500 cfs), typically from late June to early September during average snow years. If you miss that window, you can still explore the Reno segment of the river on foot or by bike along the 12-mile paved path that follows approximately the same route as the city river float.
Don’t Miss: Plan your visit around Reno River Fest, the city’s unofficial kick-off to summer, held in May.
Local Tip: Want to get in on the action without getting wet? Post up at Sierra Tap House. Located on the Truckee River right across from Wingfield Park and the whitewater park, this riverside beer garden offers prime viewing of paddlers with a side of local beers, bar games, and regularly scheduled live music.
High-Altitude Adrenaline Offerings
Reno’s proximity to the Sierra Nevada range makes for easy access to top-notch mountain biking. Head 20 minutes south of Reno toward Mount Rose to ride at Sky Tavern. This community-supported bike park offers downhill trails with features for all skill levels, plus connectors to other popular Reno-Tahoe trails. Pedal-up access is open to the public, while a season-long or monthly membership grants riders access to the shuttle.
On the other (northwest) edge of Reno, Peavine Mountain hosts an expansive, interconnected network of singletrack trails, stunning hikes, and motorized OHV routes. Then in town, Sierra Vista Bike Park has a more high-desert feel, with flowy routes through the sagebrush, plus a pump track and skills zone. For a full-service (aka lift-access) experience, opt for the Northstar Bike Park, where riders can explore 30 downhill and cross-country trails.
Don’t Miss: If you prefer to get your adrenaline rush from exposure instead of speed, try the 164-foot outdoor climbing wall at Basecamp in downtown Reno.
Local Tip: When you’re coming and going from Sky Tavern, Yosh’s Unique Deli on the south side of Reno is a must-stop for a pre- or post-ride bite. A local favorite, this family-owned spot has been serving hearty sandwiches and soups to Reno adventurers for three generations. For a stick-to-your-ribs meal, try Nana’s meatloaf sandwich, topped with tomato gravy. And be sure to leave room for dessert — you won’t want to sleep on the Kahlua brownie.
That Burning Man Afterglow
As the closest city to Black Rock Desert, site of the annual Burning Man gathering, Reno has become a hub of creative expression in its own right. Many of Burning Man’s famed art installations have found a permanent home in the city, and new pieces are regularly added to the public art roster. See some of the most odd, intricate, and immersive of the structures, including the stained glass Space Whale, at City Plaza Park and along the Riverwalk District. Or explore the J Resort’s Reno Neon Line, a revitalized downtown district quickly growing into a hub of large-scale art. The half-mile corridor features rotating installations from Burning Man as well as nine historic neon signs—all restored or fabricated as a tribute to original, iconic Reno signage.
Don’t Miss: For an immersive art experience, plan your trip around Dragon Lights Reno (October-November) or Western Lights Festival (February). Staged in the botanical garden at Rancho San Rafael Park, Dragon Lights has larger-than-life illuminated lanterns made in the Chinese tradition. For a more grassroots vibe, Western Lights brings fabricated art installations from local artists to illuminated life on the streets of downtown Reno alongside live music and performances.
Local Tip: Stay in the thick of Reno’s art scene at the J Resort. This newly renovated hotel in the Neon Line has been an integral part of bringing the essence of neon to the scene, with its music and entertainment venues—the Glow Plaza and J Resort Festival Grounds—plus an ever-growing collection of original art displayed inside and outside the property.
This article is sponsored by Visit Reno Tahoe.
