Hidden Gems of Reno Tahoe

Step into a land where adventure meets relaxation. In Reno Tahoe, every turn of a trail can surprise with hidden gems like waterfalls and wildflowers in the colors of a confetti cake. It’s where the spirit of the great outdoors and the energy of vibrant city life inspire you to live with no limits.

Wildflowers, Waterfalls, Wondrous Hidden Hikes

A Reno Tahoe staple? Hiking shoes. Scenic trails leave right from town, leading you to wilderness and urban views. Venture just fifteen minutes beyond city limits and you’ll find more trails with paths to waterfalls and wildflowers.

The Tom Cooke Trail leaves from town and takes you quickly into nature for shorter hikes frilled in spring florals. Upper Thomas Creek Trail challenges with its mileage and elevation gain, but rewards with wildflower riches and big views.

Weave through Rancho San Rafael Regional Park’s 5.5 miles of trail or head out to hike or bike a section of the Tahoe-Pyramid Trail (TPT). Once a wild idea, today the trail is a brilliantly realized connection of urban and open spaces that run the length of the Truckee River (114 miles) with multiple access points to explore mellow and challenging sections.

Go for the combo of waterfalls and wildflowers on the nearly 6-mile (round-trip) Hunter Creek Trail. You’ll hike up an amber canyon and through the sugar pines to reach the hidden two-tiered falls.

For something short but sweetly satisfying, the out-and-back 0.7-mile hike to Kings Canyon Waterfall delivers.

Ready for the ultimate trifecta? Combine a waterfall, wildflowers, and a wowing panoramic peak on Mount Rose Trail.

Hiking in Reno Tahoe

Go Bananas at Bike Parks

Ready to ride? Reno Tahoe’s mountain biking scene is mostly known by those deeply in the know (read, local riders). Now you’ll know some hidden gems, too.

At Sierra Vista Bike Park navigate twisting trails that test your skills as the crisp mountain air fuels your body and your enthusiasm. For technical climbs, fast churning descents, and incredible views, the trail system on Peavine Mountain is a favorite among locals who like to bike … like, really like to bike!

Sky Tavern Bike Park reminds you that every ride can be a celebration of life’s ups and downs as you learn new skills from mountain bike clinics by the pros at Riders in the Sky. Open to everyone for a drop-in, Truckee Bike Park is a strider/pump track for all skill levels—take it easy on smooth flow lines or fly high on advanced jumps.

If you’re seeking diverse terrain, Northstar Bike Park tells tales of forest magic, singletrack precision, and wide-open meadows for soaking in some sun or taking a break to watch the clouds drift overhead.

Biking in Reno Tahoe

All Rise, All Rise, All Rise

Scale new heights both physically and mentally at one of Reno Tahoe’s premier climbing centers. Basecamp at Whitney Peak Hotel is where you can notch one for the record books: The hotel has the Guinness Book of World Records’ Tallest Outdoor Climbing Wall (164 feet!). And the views from up top? Reno-diculously good! Get huge views of the city, mountains, and the Reno Arch. Inside the hotel there’s a 7,000-square-foot bouldering park, perfect for getting a grip on the sport.

You can also conquer the walls at Reno’s state-of-the-art Mesa Rim Climbing Center. Just as their tagline says: Go Climb! Take a community lesson on the colorful walls that are as artistic the sport can be, once you get the hang of it.

Experienced climbers will find true granite bliss—and a phenomenal vista of Lake Tahoe—at Eagle Creek Canyon west of Emerald Bay. And chief among climbing’s hidden gems? Big Chief! You’ll have to wait for the seasonal gate to open (usually early summer), but this mostly vertical volcanic rock with an overhang has a number of climbing sections, including its namesake wall.

We’re not sure you should take your lover to world famous Lover’s Leap rock climbing destination (over 150 established routes!) unless your lover is a skilled climber or has taken some lessons with Lover’s Leaps Guides. No funny business here, just great experts to help you make, well, The Leap!

Climbing in Reno Tahoe

Tee Time

Watch the action when Reno Tahoe hosts two premier golf tournaments this summer: The Barracuda Championship PGA Tour Golf Tournament and the American Century Celebrity Golf Tournament. Or get in your own rounds and tee off at Red Hawk, where the Lakes Course and Hills Course blend into the desert landscape.

Consistently voted “Best of Reno,” Lakeridge Golf Course has a world-famous hole—number 15, a par 3 located above Lake Stanley with a breathtaking view of downtown Reno. You’re going to want to have your swing in order for this moment.

Whether you’re an aspiring pro or a weekend wannabe (er, warrior!), feel the good community vibes at the beautiful Wolf Run Golf Club, where every shot can stand as a reminder that golf is a journey, not a score, or a “Fore!”

Golf in Reno Tahoe

Meditation on the Move

Embrace water’s soothing effects on a stand-up paddleboard at the Sparks Marina. Go with the flow and get into a rhythmed paddle amid the calm surroundings of this beautiful park and shoreline backed by the Sierra.

Or find your flow stand-up paddling on Lake Tahoe, the ultimate oasis experience. North Tahoe Paddle can set you up lakefront (kayaks also available) and send you off from Kings Beach to find tranquility in the turquoise coves.

If you get serious about this Zen-style sport, head into Lakeshore Paddleboard Co. and Adrift Tahoe to gear-SUP and find a signature style board.

Paddling in Reno Tahoe

Upcoming Events

Make a splash kicking off your summer at the legendary Reno River Festival (May 29-June 1): There’s live music, local food, and all kinds of entertainment—from scavenger hunts to cornhole competitions. Ride the Truckee is a great way to make an entrance

The most delicious way to say hello to summer BBQs? Reno Tahoe’s annual BBQ, Brews & Blues Festival (June 13-14). Taste your way through Virginia Street at THE ROW in Reno—sampling barbecue delicacies like St. Louis–style ribs, smoked beef brisket, pulled pork. Wash it all down with samples and pours by over 50 microbreweries from across the country. Head to the Tap tent for some blues music with your beer, grab your friends for the Beer Olympics, then go find the funnel cakes and shaved ice.

For the entire month of July, Reno can just be called Artown. In its 30th year and recognized by the National Endowment of Arts, Artown spreads across the Biggest Little City in the World with creative and cultural events, many of them free. Hundreds of art performances, imaginative events, and hands-on workshops happen along lively Reno Riverwalk, Midtown district, and beyond. {Artown}

The classic Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival and throwback charm of Hot August Nights (the largest Nostalgic Car Show in the World) keep summer rolling.

Get lassoed into the famous Reno Rodeo (as seen on the Cowboy Channel and ESPN). And when hunger hits, hit the Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-Off, mouthwatering from start to finish.

In between these iconic events, you’ll find plenty of unique events filling the calendar in Reno Tahoe. From food trucks to concerts to baseball, summer truly comes to life, so check out the complete events calendar.