6 Activities for Outdoor Lovers in Reno, Nevada
The region’s various outdoor recreation options make exploring a must.
Outdoor lovers fall head over heels for Reno, Nevada. It’s hard to beat this city’s proximity to rivers, lakes, mountains and deserts. All within a short drive, locals and visitors can enjoy water activities, horseback riding, camping, snowboarding — the list goes on and on. And there’s nothing like the magic of a desert sunrise or sunset. Ready to explore all the “Biggest Little City” has to offer? Here are 6 activities for outdoor lovers in and around Reno.
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1. Skiing or Snowboarding at Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe near Reno, Nevada
About 25 minutes from Reno is Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe, known for having the highest base elevation — 8,260 feet — in Tahoe. Here, skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels can thrive, as the resort is home to diverse terrain.
Rene Branstetter of Dayton, Nevada, frequently commutes to the resort during the winter and spring months to foster her son Asher’s budding snowboarding career.
“Mount Rose is a great family-friendly, fun ski location,” she says. “The kids’ ski school is one of the best programs in the area. I have three boys who all started their skiing and snowboarding journey at Mt. Rose.”
2. Kayaking at Truckee River Whitewater Park in Reno, Nevada
Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, once you start gliding along the water at Truckee River Whitewater Park, you won’t want to stop. The park is home to 11 drop-pools as well as 7,000 tons of smooth, flat-top rocks and boulders, which line the riverbanks and in-stream. Kayakers can use these features to attempt multiple maneuvers, like front and side surfing, cartwheeling, spoofing and splatting, flat spinning and front flips.
While here, kayakers can also enjoy the park’s grassy area – great for picnics and other outdoor recreation – and its pedestrian walkway.
3. Hiking Along Hunter Creek Trail in Reno, Nevada
A hiker’s haven, the Reno area has a plethora of great places to explore, like Hunter Creek Trail. This 5.7-mile out-and-back route, roughly 20 minutes from downtown, is set in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest and takes you to the exquisite 30-foot Hunter Creek Falls. The path is well-marked and moderately challenging, making it a fantastic choice for families with school-age kids. Plus, hikers can bring their pups, as long as they are leashed.
Once you’ve reached the falls, make sure to dip your toes in the icy water — it’s the perfect way to decompress and relax before starting the trek back to your vehicle. The hike takes about three hours to complete.
“I love Hunter Creek Trail!” says Vanessa Porter, a local musician and performer with Fiddlers2.
“I’ve probably hiked it at least 10 times in the years I’ve been living in Reno. I love bringing a picnic and enjoying it at the beautiful falls. I like to hike it with friends as well as on my own when I’m stressed and need to get away from my busy life for a couple of hours. The added convenience of the trailhead being only 10 minutes from my house is also wonderful!”
4. Windsurfing at Sparks Marina near Reno, Nevada
Grab your board and rig and get ready to ride the waves at Sparks Marina. This 77-acre lake, which is roughly 10 minutes from downtown Reno, is filled with approximately 1 billion gallons of water, meaning you have plenty of space to try your hand at tricks like a duck jibe or body drag.
After spending time in the water, check out the park’s other amenities, including a dog park, picnic areas, concession stand (open during the summer) and volleyball courts.
5. Golfing at Washoe Golf Course in Reno, Nevada
Did you know there are roughly 45 golf courses within 90 minutes (or less) of downtown Reno? For those looking to combine affordability with history, Washoe Golf Course is your answer.
“Washoe golf course is one of Reno’s oldest courses,” says Benjamin Matlock, a competitive golfer and president of Wire Me Electric Inc. “It’s very rich with golf history and nostalgia of the area, and you can see it and feel it when you play there.”
Matlock notes that the course is fun for players of all levels, and it is in a convenient location.
“Being located in the heart of Reno, you have great views of the surrounding mountains and the city, which has grown up around this course. Washoe is a staple of Reno golf, and I would highly encourage any visitors to play here and feel the history for themselves.”
6. Snowshoeing at Galena Creek Regional Park in Reno, Nevada
Located in South Reno between the city limits and Lake Tahoe, Galena is a recreational wonderland that you can explore year-round.
Springtime brings melting snow and a blanket of vibrant wildflowers. During the summer, people flock to the area for its well-kept trails, ranging from beginner to advanced. Fall ushers in crisp air and the bright colors of deciduous foliage. And winter snow transforms the park into a playground for cross-country skiers, sledders and snowshoers.
Nancy Hoffman, a retired music teacher and Reno Philharmonic musician, can attest to the fun the park offers each season.
“I have hiked a number of the trails in Galena Creek Regional Park, including Jones/Whites, Dry Pond and Thomas Creek, during the summer and fall months. What sets apart my snowshoeing experiences on those same trails in the winter are the sounds and smells,” she says. “When one stands quietly in the middle of a snow-covered forest, the silence is magical… Smells evoke the strongest memories, and the smells of a snow-covered forest are unique and powerful.”
This list is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Reno’s outdoor recreation. It also offers incredible opportunities for biking, camping, backpacking, off-roading and alpine lake swimming. Come have your own adventure!
This article was sponsored by EDAWN.