15 Best Day Trips from Reno

Welcome, fellow wanderers, to the “Biggest Little City in the World” – Reno, Nevada! While the neon glow of its casinos and vibrant downtown scene are certainly captivating, the true magic of Reno lies in its unparalleled access to an incredible tapestry of landscapes, history, and adventure. Imagine waking up to mountain views, then spending your day exploring a sapphire lake, a historic Wild West town, or even a lunar-like landscape, all within a short drive. Reno isn’t just a destination; it’s a launchpad for discovery.

From the majestic Sierra Nevada to the mysterious high desert, you’ll find an astonishing array of day trips that cater to every interest, whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a history buff, an adrenaline junkie, or simply seeking serene beauty. This guide will arm you with everything you need to know, from detailed itineraries and insider tips to comprehensive cost breakdowns, ensuring your Nevada adventures are unforgettable and perfectly planned. The best times to visit are typically spring and fall, offering mild weather perfect for exploring, though summer brings warm lake days and winter offers world-class skiing. Get ready to uncover the hidden gems and iconic sights that make Reno the ultimate basecamp for exploration!

Lake Tahoe

Prepare to be mesmerized by Lake Tahoe, a true jewel of the Sierra Nevada, sitting just a short drive from Reno. This magnificent freshwater lake, straddling the border of California and Nevada, boasts water so clear and blue it almost defies belief. Its immense size and depth make it a natural wonder, offering a playground for all seasons. In summer, you can spend your days paddleboarding on its calm surface, kayaking along picturesque coves, swimming in refreshing waters, or simply lounging on one of its many sandy beaches like Sand Harbor.

Hiking trails abound, from easy lakeside strolls to challenging ascents offering panoramic views of the entire basin. Winter transforms Tahoe into a world-renowned ski destination, with resorts like Heavenly, Northstar, and Squaw Valley just minutes away. Beyond the natural beauty, you’ll find charming lakeside towns, fine dining, and even casinos on the Nevada side for evening entertainment. Lake Tahoe appeals to everyone: families will love the beaches and easy trails, couples will find romantic sunsets and cozy restaurants, and solo travelers can immerse themselves in nature’s grandeur. Its unique geological formation as a graben lake, along with its pristine clarity, make it a truly special place.

Carson City and the Carson Valley

Just a short drive south from Reno, you’ll discover Carson City, Nevada’s charming state capital, and the expansive, picturesque Carson Valley. This area offers a delightful blend of history, culture, and wide-open natural beauty. In Carson City, dive into Nevada’s past by exploring the meticulously preserved State Capitol Building, a stunning example of Neoclassical architecture. The Nevada State Museum, housed in the former U.S. Mint, offers fascinating exhibits on the state’s mining history, native cultures, and natural sciences.

History buffs will also adore the Nevada State Railroad Museum, home to beautifully restored locomotives and rolling stock, often offering scenic rides. Beyond the city, the Carson Valley unfolds with its agricultural landscapes, historic ranches, and panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada. Towns like Minden and Gardnerville offer quaint main streets, local eateries, and a relaxed pace of life. This area is perfect for those seeking a quieter historical exploration, with plenty of opportunities for scenic drives, hot air balloon rides, or even a round of golf. Families will appreciate the educational museums, while couples can enjoy the scenic beauty and small-town charm. The region’s rich silver mining history and its role as a transportation hub for the Comstock Lode are palpable in its well-preserved heritage.

Unionville

Step back in time to the remote ghost town of Unionville, a fascinating relic of Nevada’s silver rush era. Tucked away in the Humboldt Range, about two hours east of Reno, Unionville was once a thriving mining camp in the 1860s, even boasting Mark Twain as a brief resident. Today, it’s a quiet testament to the boom-and-bust cycle of the Old West, with several original buildings still standing amidst the sagebrush. You’ll find weathered wooden structures, including a church, a schoolhouse, and remnants of old cabins, all telling silent stories of a bygone era.

Unlike many manicured historical sites, Unionville feels genuinely untouched, offering an authentic glimpse into frontier life. It’s a photographer’s paradise and a dream for history buffs and solo travelers seeking solitude and a tangible connection to the past. There are no services here, just the quiet whispers of history carried on the wind, making it ideal for those who appreciate off-the-beaten-path exploration. Its isolation is part of its charm, providing a unique sense of discovery as you wander through the remnants of a once-vibrant community.

Ruby Mountains

Journey to the “Nevada Alps” and discover the stunning Ruby Mountains, a majestic range rising dramatically from the high desert plains. Located about 3.5 hours east of Reno, near Elko, this mountain range offers an alpine experience unlike anything else in Nevada. The crown jewel is Lamoille Canyon, a glacially carved valley often compared to Yosemite, featuring towering granite peaks, cascading waterfalls, and pristine alpine lakes. A scenic drive winds through the canyon, providing access to numerous trailheads for hiking, from easy strolls to strenuous climbs leading to breathtaking vistas and turquoise lakes like Dollar Lakes or Liberty Lake.

Fishing is popular in the streams and lakes, and wildlife viewing is common, with mule deer, bighorn sheep, and various bird species. The Ruby Mountains are a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, photographers, and anyone seeking a true escape into nature’s grandeur. Families can enjoy scenic picnics and short hikes, while serious backpackers can tackle multi-day treks. Their unique geological formation, distinct from the surrounding Great Basin ranges, gives them their striking, rugged beauty.

Virginia City

Step into the vibrant, haunted history of Virginia City, a short and scenic drive from Reno. This legendary mining town was once the richest place on Earth, thanks to the Comstock Lode silver strike, and its legacy is palpable on every street. As you wander the wooden boardwalks, you’ll encounter authentic 19th-century saloons, unique shops, and historic buildings that stand as they did during the boom years. Ride the historic Virginia & Truckee Railroad, descend into a real silver mine on a guided tour, or explore the mansions of the mining magnates.

Virginia City is also famous for its paranormal activity, with numerous ghost tours offered after dark. The town hosts various events throughout the year, from camel races to chili cook-offs, adding to its lively atmosphere. It’s a fantastic destination for families, history buffs, and anyone seeking a lively, immersive Wild West experience. The stories of Mark Twain, who began his writing career here, and the sheer scale of the wealth extracted from its hills, make Virginia City a truly unique historical marvel.

Pyramid Lake

Discover the otherworldly beauty of Pyramid Lake, a vast, saline lake located within the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Reservation, just a short drive northeast of Reno. Named for the striking tufa rock formations (calcium carbonate deposits) that rise majestically from its waters, Pyramid Lake is a geological marvel and a spiritual center for the Paiute people. It’s renowned for its world-class fishing, particularly for the Lahontan Cutthroat Trout, a species unique to this lake. Beyond fishing, visitors can enjoy photography, birdwatching (it’s a critical habitat for pelicans and other waterfowl), and simply soaking in the serene, stark beauty of the landscape.

The lake’s remote nature offers a sense of tranquility and a chance to connect with ancient history. It’s an ideal destination for nature photographers, anglers, and those seeking a quiet, contemplative experience away from the crowds. Remember, you are on tribal land, and respecting their rules and traditions is paramount. The unique tufa formations, formed by ancient springs, give the lake its distinctive, almost alien, appearance.

Black Rock Desert

For an experience truly unlike any other, venture to the vast, desolate expanse of the Black Rock Desert, roughly two hours north of Reno. This immense, flat playa, a remnant of ancient Lake Lahontan, stretches for miles, creating an almost infinite horizon. It’s famously known as the home of the Burning Man festival, but outside of that event, it’s a place of stark, profound beauty and solitude. Visitors come here for land speed record attempts, hot springs (like Black Rock Hot Springs), stargazing under incredibly dark skies, and simply to experience the unique emptiness.

The playa’s surface is so flat and smooth that it’s often described as a natural mirror after rain. It’s a destination for the adventurous, the self-reliant, and those seeking a truly off-grid experience. Photographers will find endless inspiration in its vastness and dramatic skies. Be prepared for extreme conditions and carry everything you need, as services are non-existent. The playa’s unique geology, formed by ancient lakebed sediments, makes it one of the largest and flattest surfaces on Earth.

Highway 50

Embark on an epic road trip along a section of Highway 50, famously dubbed the “Loneliest Road in America.” Stretching across Nevada, the segment east of Fallon (about an hour east of Reno) offers a fascinating journey through vast, empty landscapes, quirky small towns, and historical markers. This isn’t about speed; it’s about the journey and the stories along the way. You’ll pass through fascinating places like Fallon, with its agricultural roots, and then into the “Extraterrestrial Highway” adjacent areas, hinting at secret military bases. Further east, you’ll find Eureka and Ely, historic mining towns with well-preserved architecture and intriguing museums.

The road itself is a testament to the American spirit of exploration and resilience, crossing numerous mountain ranges and wide-open valleys. This trip is ideal for road-trippers, history buffs, and anyone seeking solitude and a unique slice of Americana. It’s a chance to disconnect and appreciate the sheer scale of the Great Basin. The moniker “Loneliest Road” was coined by Life magazine in 1986, highlighting its stark beauty and isolation.

Eldorado National Forest

Just west of Lake Tahoe, within an hour and a half’s drive from Reno, lies the vast and diverse Eldorado National Forest. Spanning over 600,000 acres in the central Sierra Nevada, this forest is a recreational paradise offering a dramatic contrast to Nevada’s high desert. Here, you’ll find towering pine and fir forests, granite peaks, pristine alpine lakes, and rushing rivers. It’s a haven for outdoor activities year-round.

In warmer months, you can hike countless trails, from easy lakeside walks to challenging multi-day treks, go fishing in crystal-clear waters, or enjoy boating and paddleboarding on its many reservoirs. Winter transforms the forest into a snowy wonderland, popular for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. The forest is home to a rich history of logging and gold mining, with remnants visible in some areas. It’s perfect for nature lovers, active adventurers, and families looking for a refreshing escape into the mountains. Its ecological diversity, from low-elevation chaparral to high-alpine peaks, supports a wide array of flora and fauna.

Sand Mountain

Prepare for an exhilarating experience at Sand Mountain, a colossal, crescent-shaped sand dune rising dramatically from the Nevada desert, about an hour east of Reno. This impressive natural landmark is a designated Recreation Area and a mecca for off-highway vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts. Its massive size, over two miles long and 600 feet high, provides an incredible playground for sandboarding, ATV riding, dirt biking, and dune buggy adventures.

Even if you’re not into OHVs, the sheer scale of the dune is captivating, offering fantastic photographic opportunities and a unique landscape to explore on foot (though climbing the dune is strenuous!). It’s also home to the endangered Sand Mountain Blue Butterfly, adding an ecological twist to this extreme environment. Sand Mountain is perfect for adrenaline junkies, families with older children, and anyone looking for a unique outdoor adventure. The constant wind shapes the dune, creating ever-changing patterns on its surface, making each visit unique.

Hickison Petroglyphs

Journey back in time to the ancient past at the Hickison Petroglyph Recreation Area, located about 2.5 hours east of Reno near Austin. This fascinating site preserves a remarkable collection of Native American rock art, etched into volcanic rock formations by early inhabitants of the region. A short, interpretive loop trail leads you past numerous panels displaying intricate designs, animal figures, and mysterious symbols, some dating back over 10,000 years.

The petroglyphs offer a profound glimpse into the spiritual beliefs, daily lives, and artistic expression of the ancient cultures that once thrived in this high desert landscape. The setting itself, amidst scattered juniper and pinyon pines, is peaceful and scenic. This attraction is ideal for history enthusiasts, cultural explorers, and families looking for an educational and accessible outdoor experience. The sheer age and preservation of these petroglyphs make Hickison a significant archaeological site, connecting visitors directly to Nevada’s earliest human residents.

Skiing at Mount Rose

For a thrilling winter escape, head to Mount Rose Ski Tahoe, Reno’s closest and highest ski resort, just a 30-minute drive from downtown. Perched high in the Sierra Nevada, Mount Rose boasts some of the best views of Lake Tahoe and the Reno cityscape. It’s renowned for its diverse terrain, catering to all skill levels, from gentle beginner slopes to challenging expert runs and its famous “Chutes” area, offering some of the steepest in-bounds terrain in North America.

With a base elevation of 8,260 feet, it typically enjoys excellent snow conditions throughout the winter season. Beyond skiing and snowboarding, you can enjoy the vibrant lodge atmosphere, take lessons, or simply soak in the stunning alpine environment. Mount Rose is perfect for skiers and snowboarders of all ages, from families looking for a convenient day on the slopes to seasoned experts seeking a challenge. Its proximity to Reno makes it an ideal day trip, allowing you to hit the slopes and be back in the city for dinner.

Steamboat Hot Springs

Indulge in relaxation and a touch of history at Steamboat Hot Springs, located just south of Reno, making it an incredibly convenient escape. This historic site, once a famous resort in the 19th century, has been attracting visitors for its therapeutic mineral waters for centuries. Today, it operates as a wellness center, offering private mineral baths, massage therapy, and a tranquil atmosphere. The geothermal activity here is a direct result of the active faults beneath the surface, creating natural hot springs rich in minerals like boron and lithium, believed to have healing properties.

You can book a private tub session to soak in the warm, mineral-rich waters, or enjoy a massage. It’s a perfect retreat for those seeking relaxation, wellness, or a unique historical experience. Couples will find it romantic, and solo travelers can enjoy peaceful solitude. The history of Steamboat Hot Springs, from its use by Native Americans to its popularity with celebrities and health seekers in the Victorian era, adds to its unique charm.

Lunar Crater

Embark on an adventurous journey to the remote and intriguing Lunar Crater, a unique geological formation located about 3 hours southeast of Reno, deep in Nevada’s high desert. This striking volcanic crater, approximately 400 feet deep and half a mile wide, is the centerpiece of the Lunar Crater Volcanic Field. Its barren, desolate landscape, dotted with smaller cinder cones and lava flows, truly resembles a moonscape, offering an otherworldly experience.

Visitors can hike to the rim for panoramic views of the vast, empty expanse, or even descend into the crater itself (though it’s a strenuous climb back out). The area is incredibly remote, offering unparalleled solitude and incredibly dark skies perfect for stargazing. It’s an ideal destination for geologists, photographers, adventurers, and anyone seeking a truly off-the-beaten-path experience. The crater was formed by a phreatomagmatic eruption, where rising magma interacted with groundwater, creating an explosive event that left behind this unique depression.

Sacramento

Cross the state line into California for a vibrant day trip to Sacramento, the Golden State’s capital, just under a two-hour drive from Reno. Sacramento offers a delightful contrast to Reno’s desert and mountain landscapes, boasting a rich history, a thriving farm-to-fork culinary scene, and charming urban attractions. Begin your exploration in Old Sacramento State Historic Park, a beautifully preserved district with wooden sidewalks, horse-drawn carriages, and historic buildings housing shops, restaurants, and museums.

Don’t miss the impressive California State Capitol Building, offering free tours, or the Crocker Art Museum, the oldest art museum west of the Mississippi. Sacramento is also known for its tree-lined streets, diverse neighborhoods, and a strong emphasis on fresh, local food. It’s a fantastic destination for history buffs, foodies, and families looking for a dose of city culture and Californian charm. The city’s role in the Gold Rush and as a major river port shaped its early development, leaving a fascinating historical footprint.

Plan Your Visit

As you can see, Reno is far more than just a city of bright lights; it’s the gateway to an extraordinary collection of diverse landscapes, rich histories, and thrilling adventures. From the pristine sapphire waters of Lake Tahoe to the ancient petroglyphs etched in desert rocks, and from the lively streets of Virginia City to the serene solitude of the Black Rock Desert, the options for exploration are boundless. Each day trip offers a unique facet of Nevada and California’s unparalleled beauty and heritage, promising memories that will last a lifetime.

Whether you’re planning a budget-friendly road trip or a luxurious escape, the detailed cost breakdowns provided will help you navigate your expenditures with ease. So, pack your bags, fill up your tank, and prepare to be captivated. Reno beckons, ready to unleash the explorer within you. Your next unforgettable adventure is just a short drive away!