This blog was created in collaboration with Visit Reno Tahoe & Quin Schrock
Growing up I spent every summer at my grandparentsโ house in Reno. I passed the time browsing through dusty Encyclopedia Britannicas and a few decades worth of National Geographic magazines. Iโd cut out pictures of far flung destinations and organize them into intricate collages – this was long before mood boards were en vogue. I wanted to make memories all over the world. To see as many places as possible. To be anywhere but there.
Looking back, I canโt help but smile at the irony. All that time I spent down in my grandparentโs basement, pouring over photos, day dreaming about other places, I was already exactly where I wanted to be. I just couldnโt see it.
All grown up, and a couple years into an unexpected career photographing destinations that only existed in the yellowed encyclopedia pages of my childhood, Iโm able to see things with a little more clarity. Itโs obvious now, that Reno Tahoe deserved a spot in one of my collages. It is after all, where the largest alpine lake collides with the Biggest Little City in the World! And the result is a beautiful contradiction of high adrenaline activities, burgeoning art scene, and remote solitude.
Whether you want to sleep under the stars in the Black Rock Desert, chill at a hipster cafe overlooking the Truckee River, or cliff dive into Tahoeโs blue abyss, Reno has you covered. Itโs a โmake your own adventureโ situation, where the possibilities are endless. Thereโs only one thing thatโs certain – this isnโt my grandparentโs Reno anymore. Then again, maybe it never was.
The City – Fun Things to Do In Reno
With an international airport servicing Reno with non-stop flights from all over the United States, it couldnโt be easier to get to and from your next adventure. But before you head to the desert, or hit the hiking trails, itโs worth exploring the city itself. Reno has undergone a sort of renaissance over the last decade or so, and thereโs no better place to get a pulse on the creative, outdoorsy, culture the city is cultivating than by strolling through the Riverwalk District.
Featuring a pedestrian walkway along the Truckee River, the picturesque Riverwalk District is lined with restaurants, cafeโs, and art – lots and lots of art. From giant street murals, to playa art from bygone Burning Man years, thereโs no shortage of eye candy to enjoy. So grab a coffee from my personal favorite, the Hub Coffee Roasters, or a pint from the Sierra Taphouse, and just start walking!
If youโre looking to get your adrenaline pumping you can always try surfing. Thatโs right, surfing! As the only outlet for Lake Tahoe, the Truckee River winds its way down through the Sierra Nevada Mountains, into โThe Biggest Little City In The World,โ until it finally terminates at Pyramid Lake. Along the way there are a few standing waves suitable for getting your surf on. One of which, is located in Wingfield Park right smack dab in the middle of downtown Reno. Talk about a bucket list item! And if thatโs not enough, you can tackle the world’sย tallest climbing wallย at Whitney Peak Hotel
The Desert – Best Things To Do In Black Rock Desert
Now that youโve experienced some of Burning Manโs playa art first hand, itโs time to head out to the place where it all began – Black Rock Desert. Once a year during Burning Man, tens of thousands of people gather in Nevadaโs Black Rock Desert to create Black Rock City, a temporary metropolis dedicated to community, art, self-expression, and self-reliance. But at any other time of year, this unique landscape offers a special type of solitude thatโs hard to find in todayโs busy world.
Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, and lightly-regulated, the Black Rock Desert provides a refuge for adventurous, self-reliant visitors interested in getting off the grid. Dotted with hidden hot springs, the area is perfect for primitive camping, off road driving, and just simply getting lost in wide open spaces. Once youโve spent a little time there, itโs not hard to understand why so many people feel compelled to return to this barren stretch of earth year after year to reconnect with their inner psyche.
The Black Rock Desert is also home to Fly Geyser. Located onย Fly Ranch, the geyser was created accidentally in 1964, after a geothermal power company drilled a test well at the site. The result is a rainbow colored geyser spewing thermal water from its mouth 24 hours a day. Owned by Burning Man, Fly Geyser is not currently available for public access, but you can take a tour of the property, through the Friends of Nevada Black-High Rock. Passionate volunteers offer three-hour guidedย toursย of Fly Ranch, including Fly Geyser.
The Lakeย – Best Things To Do at Lake Tahoe
In a state that has more hot springs and mountain ranges than any other state (who knew!), Lake Tahoe is the undisputed adventure capital of Nevada. And with over 300 days of sun a year, the fun never stops!
A short drive from Reno takes you to the stunning alpine world of North Lake Tahoe, where crystal clear water, giant granite boulders, and quiet lakeside beaches wait. Mornings at the lake are beautiful, and the perfect time to get out on a human powered adventure. If youโre keen on taking a hike, Marlette Lake is a solid option. From the top of the trail you can get a unique “double lakeโ view of Marlette with Lake Tahoe glistening below in the distance. Alternatively, wake up for sunrise over Emerald Bay and then head up the short trail to Eagle Lake for a little taste of what the Desolation Wilderness has to offer.
After youโve worked up a sweat in the mountains, itโs time to cool down on the Lake! During summer you can rent a kayak or paddle board at Sand Harbor and spend all day exploring the stunning east shore. Paddle around the huge rounded boulders that sit like private islands dotting the azure shallows. Make one your own for an hour or two, or keep exploring. For something a little different, rent a clear kayak from Wild Society, and stare into the depths of Tahoeโs famed blue water as the world drifts by.
For even more ways to make the most of your time at Lake Tahoe, check out 72 Perfect Hours At Lake Tahoe or The Best Photography Spots in Lake Tahoe!
A huge thank you toย Visit Reno Tahoeย for partnering with us to make this experience possible.
Thank you for your time and support! – jess
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72 Perfect Hours At Lake Tahoe
I too was very fortunate to spend many summer days sailing, and swimming those incredible clear waters as a child and young adult. It still remains one of my favorite places . Thank you for capturing the essence of this magical place.
I hope you get the chance to go back again soon! It truly is such a special place!
Amazing shots, Jess! Reno is definitely the "best adventure hub."
Thanks so much Kirtan! Really appreciate that. Always wish I had more time there. ๐
Wonderful post!! Went to Tahoe for the first time three years back and loved it!! Would love to kayak in one of those clear kayaks!
Reno sure is pretty in autumn. Who knew? Going to have to check it out next time!
Thanks so much for your insight and gorgeous photos!!
Yes! I was surprised to see all of the fall colors as well. It really was a beautiful time of year to be there.
When is the best season to visit?
It really depends on what you would like to do. It’s beautiful year round. Winter is best if you would like to ski or snow board, and the rest of the year is better for spending time on the lake. Hope you get the chance to check it out!
I have never been to Reno and was not aware they have such a lovely river walk. I would definitely enjoy some time taking those clear kayaks rentals for an afternoon trip. Great photos.
Yes! They’ve really done a lot to rehabilitate the city center over the last decade or so. It’s definitely not the Reno I remember from my childhood.
Wonderful post as always and amazing shots! #wallpaperMaterial
Much appreciated Tony! Thanks for checking it out. ๐
These photos are AMAZING. makes me want to leave my home and go on a Tahoe adventure RIGHT NOW (it’s 10 pm right now…)
Lol thanks so much Sarah! And I’ve definitely been tempted to do that before. ๐
Hi Jess! I stumbled upon your blog about a wk ago googling places to see in Tahoe! My hub and I just got back from South Lake Tahoe and went snowboarding at Heavenly – had a blast. Your pictures paddle boarding at Sand Harbor already has me planning a trip!!! I can’t wait ๐ So happy I found you! ๐
Hi Lauren! I’m so glad you had fun. I hear Tahoe is getting dumped on right now! It’s such a great year round location, it’s hard to pick just one season to visit. ๐
Hi, I stubbled across your blogs. WOW! Love all of it. Iโd like to take a trip to Lake Tahoe. Is there a resort/lodging youโd recommend? Would you recommend staying in Reno or near the lake? Thank you.
Hi Ashley! Thank you so much for checking out the blog. Where you stay depends a lot on what you plan on doing while you are in the area. If you are planning on spending your entire trip up at Lake Tahoe, then I would probably look at staying somewhere up at the lake. But if you think you are interested in checking out some of the other areas in this blog, then Reno is a great option!
Thank you for your blog posts about Tahoe! Iโm going there in Sept with my husband, baby, and our dog, for just two days but Iโm so thankful to get to spend some time there and will definitely pick our spots to explore based on your posts! Thank you! ๐
Hi Laura! Thanks so much for the note. Even in 2 days you will have so much fun, and September is generally a beautiful time of year to be there. I hope you have a wonderful vacation! ๐
Hi Jess! Youโre an amazing blogger and inspiration for our travel. My gf and I planning to visit there in Mid October. Is it good time for the activities you mentioned here?
Hi Jess! Your blog is amazing and inspiring for us to travel.
My gf and I planning to travel in mid October , will it be good weather that time to do all activities you mentioned in your blog? Thank you ๐
Hi! So glad that you like the blog. A lot of the photos in this post were actually taken in October, so most activities will be possible. Of course, October is during the shoulder season, and you really never know what the weather will do. The year we went during October it was really nice out. But it could be really cold too. The only thing that might be possible in October is renting a clear kayak – I’m not sure that they are open during the fall.
Hi Jess am planing to take my wife to Reno for Our 12 anniversary. We going to have a week off from the kids So if you onlight me weโre We can stay & go. Ty!
Hi Jim! Congrats on your anniversary. This entire blog post is actually about the places you can go and things to do around Reno. You can also check out my other blog posts about Lake Tahoe for more ideas. Other than what I have already included, some of the hotels have very nice spas that you might consider looking into for your special occasion. Have fun!
Hi there – very helpful info and stunning photos! I am a photographer (by hobby only) myself so I am in awe of these breath taking photos! I haven’t been much of an outdoorsy activity person but would like to try a short hike. Would you recommend a particular hiking spot for great photos and a short hike? also, are the ticks an issue as you hike around there?
Hi. I’ve suggested a number of hikes in this blog post – all of which are on the shorter side. I’ve never heard of ticks being an issue in the area, but I would pack some bug repelant or wear long layers if you are concerned.
Wow those pictures of you kayaking on Lake Tahoe was just breathtaking! The water was just crystal clear!
It was! Lake Tahoe has some of the prettiest water.