Reno Tahoe is unlike any other destination in the United States. This little city is located right in the center of three adventure-centric landscapes: mountains, desert, and Lake Tahoe (North America’s largest alpine lake). The variety of terrain makes for unmatched recreational opportunities, from action sports, like whitewater kayaking and mountain biking, to more relaxed ways to recharge in nature, like mellow hiking trails just minutes from the city center. Plus, with more than 300 sunny days per year, there’s rarely a bad weather window.
But there’s more to a true adventure hub than a lifetime’s worth of exploration in the surrounding mountains and desert. The combination of outdoor access, urban attractions, and a thriving adventure culture draws people back again and again. Some even stick around to make Reno Tahoe a more permanent base camp. “Growing up in greater Los Angeles, it took hours to get to the kind of outdoor adventures you can find just outside of Reno,” says Kristin Addis, Reno local and the author behind the blog Be My Travel Muse. “With about 270,000 residents, Reno is the smallest city I’ve lived in by far, but nature is much more accessible here. That’s exactly what I wanted when I was looking for my next home base. I never expected to find it in Reno, but as cheesy as it sounds, I’ve come to realize that it truly is the biggest little city in the world.”
If you’re looking for endless outdoor fun with a side of city vibes, Reno just might be your next base camp, too. Keep reading to see how Reno Tahoe earned its place among the top adventure cities in the West.
It’s the ultimate gateway to the Sierra backcountry.
The Sierra Nevada has long been a place where adventurous spirits put their outdoor skills to the test. Reno Tahoe is a prime jumping-off point to experience the Sierra in all its glory. “There are more mountain lakes than I can count, more hiking trails than I can probably ever cover,” Addis says. Explore classic Sierra hikes to access hundreds of miles of pristine wilderness. For a local backpacking trip, try the 165-mile Tahoe Rim Trail, which circles the entirety of Lake Tahoe.
You don’t have to plan a multiday hike to get the full Sierra experience. There are plenty of amazing day hikes within 25 to 35 minutes of Reno. Check out Mount Rose Trail, a local favorite with views of the city, mountains, and Lake Tahoe. The 10.7-mile loop trail climbs 2,300 vertical feet to the summit of Mount Rose, the second tallest peak in the Tahoe Basin. “The Mount Rose Trail was one of the most scenic parts of my trip,” says avid hiker Joshua Walker, who visited Reno Tahoe this summer. “At 10,785 feet, you get 360-degree views of Tahoe and Reno, which really help you appreciate just how beautiful this region is and the proximity of the city to the mountains.” For a shorter excursion (both closer to the city and with less mileage) try the White’s Creek–Dry Pond loop trail. The 6.5-mile trail packs stunning terrain and views, along with more than 1,050 feet of elevation gain, into a short but exhilarating hike. Or hop on a section of the Pacific Crest Trail for a scenic day hike within easy access to lodging in Reno.
There are activities for lake and river lovers.
Lake Tahoe is a world-renowned outdoor attraction, and for good reason. The 191-square-mile lake provides on-the-water fun in spring, summer, and fall. The lake’s crystal-clear waters have also attracted a thriving dive community that enjoys underwater adventures and regular clean-up dives to keep the lake in pristine condition. “I spend a lot of time looking out over beautiful Lake Tahoe in the winter,” says professional skier and Tahoe local Amie Engerbretson. “I love getting to spend time on the water in the summer months to enjoy the lake from a new perspective.” Engerbretson recommends paddling Crystal Bay in the North Lake Tahoe area. Or, to fully experience the lake’s sheer size, book an afternoon on a sailboat with Tahoe Sailing Charters.
Want to take the thrill level up a notch? Whitewater kayaking and rafting are both on the adventure agenda in Reno Tahoe. If you are new to paddling, check out the guided trips offered by Tributary. The guide service runs everything from half-day to multiday trips on the Truckee, American, East Fork Carson, and North Yuba rivers.
Adventure sports are available right in town.
You don’t have to venture far to find adrenaline-pumping activities in Reno. Scale the tallest outdoor climbing wall in North America right in the middle of downtown at the BaseCamp Climbing Gym. The 164-foot outdoor wall is a fixture on the exterior of the Whitney Peak Hotel. Also available at the facility: 35- and 70-foot walls and an indoor bouldering gym with beginner to expert routes. “I stayed at the Whitney Peak Hotel while I was in town, so I couldn’t skip out on climbing the massive outdoor wall,” says Walker of his recent visit. “With so much incredible access to the outdoors, you wouldn’t think a man-made climbing wall would be a highlight of a trip to Reno, but it absolutely was.”
If pedaling is your preferred mode of movement, you’ll also find opportunities for biking in the city. Cruise the 12-mile bike path along the Truckee River, with plenty of local spots to stop for coffee or a bite. Or head to Steamboat Ditch Trail near Mayberry Park, just west of downtown Reno, for a 15.4-mile out-and-back gravel ride that will get your heart pumping.
You get city vibes and a rad community without too much city.
Nothing beats a day of outdoor fun followed by delicious après-adventure food and drinks. In smaller mountain towns, burgers and a beer are sometimes your best bet. Reno takes the experience up a notch with all the benefits of a big city right down the road from the trailhead. “There are so many funky little restaurants and communities to explore,” Addis says. Keep enjoying the outdoors with a pre-dinner walk on the riverfront before heading to The Shore Room or Smith + River, both located on the banks of the Truckee River. Wind down with a pint at Piñon Bottle Co. or cocktails at Grafted. When you’re downtown, don’t miss the murals and Burning Man art. “The city really supports independent artists who bring Reno’s culture to life,” Addis says. “I fell in love with Burning Man and the Black Rock Desert long before I ever even considered Reno, so it’s fun to see that community thriving through the art here.”
For the best view of the city, Addis recommends University Ridge Park. From there, you can see the Reno skyline with the mountains and desert in the background—a view that captures the adventurous spirit of the city. “Some places feel like home the second you land there, and others take some time to work their way into your heart,” says Addis of the city that ended up being her perfect outdoor base camp. “Reno has been that for me, and I’m so thankful that I got a chance to get to know it.”
Find more travel inspiration at visitrenotahoe.com.
