Outdoor Activities To Try in Reno Tahoe

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Epic winter snowfall means Reno Tahoe’s ski lifts run well into April (and even July) – just beware those dreaded ski-goggle tan lines. A short drive from downtown Reno will have you on a ski lift at Mt Rose Ski Tahoe or Diamond Peak Resort within an hour. Heavenly, the biggest resort around Lake Tahoe, is always a good choice, with high-altitude tree-lined trails, many looking right onto the lake. But Squaw Valley has a standout reputation for retaining its snow, and springtime’s melt-freeze cycle brings a soft and slushy textural change known as “corn snow.” Bonus: sunshine also brings out the area’s fun side with hot tubs, pond skims and costume parties.

Warmer weather turns the Truckee River into a fast-rushing torrent during April, May and June, and brings big thrills for rafters and kayakers eager to test their oars against furiously foaming water. Tahoe Whitewater Tours and Sierra Adventures offer full-day excursions on Truckee River. Along a dramatic section of the waterway, the action-packed Boca to Verdi trip tackles Class III and IV rapids (translation: it’s a challenging ride). Hurtling over diversion dams makes the ride even wetter and wilder – and you can even raft through the heart of downtown Reno.

Mild weather and blooming wildflowers make spring the perfect time to hike in Reno Tahoe. Lake Tahoe’s east shore is a short drive from downtown Reno and offers miles of hiking trails that reward you with unbelievable lake views and open vistas. After a day on the trail, refresh with a dip in Lake Tahoe’s crystal-clear waters – or take a dive off the iconic granite boulders that pepper the shoreline.

is easy to master, seriously addictive and sublime on sunny days. Almost a dozen watersport companies in the Reno Tahoe area rent gear, and Lake Tahoe’s north and east shores have aquamarine water that looks like it’s out of a Bahamas brochure (Crystal Bay is especially beautiful). Rise early for the best chance of still water and wildlife sightings – like red-tailed hawks wheeling overhead.

With clear water lapping against smooth white boulders, Sand Harbor is among Lake Tahoe’s loveliest coves. Seen underwater, its geological features take on an otherworldly beauty, with light dancing across sunken rocks and minnows darting past. Arrive early to snorkel in this deservedly popular beauty spot. After swimming with rainbow trout among the granite stones, rent a jet ski from Sand Harbor Water Sports and double your time on the water.

There’s no need to leave the city to clamber to dizzy heights: the world’s tallest artificial climbing wall at Whitney Peak Hotel rises above the famous Reno arch. But for a rock climbing challenge in the midst of nature, the awe-inspiring granite ridges at Donner Pass offer routes to suit first-timers as well as old hands.

Desert landscapes filled with sagebrush, the distant peaks of the Sierra Nevada… it all looks better from horseback. Horseback riding is a unique way to connect with the land and it’s best done before the heat of summer. The pros lead guided treks across majestic desert and among old-growth ponderosa pines. Sierra Adventures can match you to a suitable steed and send you galloping (or walking) into the sunset on an unforgettable horseback riding adventure.

When city traffic crushes the soul, off-roading is the cure. There are numerous dirt roads around Reno where you can kick up desert dust by 4WD, quad or dirt bike. The big daddy is the 30-mile Hunter Lake Trail. Heading west out of Reno, you’ll rev through dense forest, skirt Hunter Lake and descend back to the city with a new appreciation for the breathtaking variety of landscapes in Reno Tahoe.