Welcome to Untamed Reno Tahoe. Set aside your notions of the world’s Biggest Little City and experience the wilder side of an outdoor region that extends far beyond neon-lit casino confines. It’s here that seasoned California adventure traveler Dane Gudauskas is on a mission to lean on the locals who best know this high-desert springboard to the Sierra Nevada.
Gudauskas first connects with filmmaker Jordan Drew to orient himself on the artery that defines the region: the Truckee River. After they paddle inflatable kayaks straight into the heart of downtown, the duo dries off from the whitewater by heading to the high country. At Donner Summit, local climbing phenom Maddie Barnes shows Gudauskas the ropes, offering a stunning taste of the inclusive and varied climbing scene.
No Reno Tahoe trip would be complete without the turquoise waters of Lake Tahoe. There, Roy Tuscany, founder of the High Fives Foundation, demonstrates exactly how High Fives gets adaptive athletes back into action: with an opportunity to surf an “infinitely rippable wave.” After mouthwatering pit stops, the thrills continue at Sky Tavern, a nonprofit community-run bike park where local expert Robert Watts (pictured below) leads downhill-newbie Gudauskas through the approachable array of trails.
As the sun sets, Gudauskas reflects on the value of memorable sessions shared with welcoming locals. “It’s the crew that makes the place special,” he says, nodding to the unique landscape that opens immediate access to both city and mountain activities. “Paddle a rushing river, scale a granite peak, surf a pristine lake, and make it back to the grid for wood-fired pizza … this place is all-time!”
Explore more of Reno Tahoe’s limitless adventures in our feature spotlight of the Biggest Little City.
This article is sponsored by Reno Tahoe.
