Something to Look Forward to

Spring for the West’s most dynamic mountain town – Reno, Nevada. The city’s very nature brings limitless possibilities for all seasons, including shoulder season! Here are some Reno Tahoe adventures to spring for in the new year.

Things Are Looking Rosy!

Reno Tahoe is off to a good start this winter season! And with North America’s highest concentration of world-renowned ski resorts, it’s the ultimate destination for snow buffs. A rose by any other name just wouldn’t be Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe. With a ski base located at 8,260 feet, this rose blooms with great snowpack and Lake Tahoe views. Head just past the Mt. Rose summit to Tahoe Meadows for a snowshoe hike through pine trees to sparkling views of the lake.

Incline Village has bragging rights with big views of Big Blue at Diamond Peak Ski Resort. Ideal for veteran skiers and beginners (check out their budget-friendly lessons), the eye-popping vistas of Lake Tahoe as you hit the slopes are an inspiring bonus.

Manage those group dynamics with a day at Northstar Resort, where everyone can do everything from skiing, tubing, ice skating, and well, apres-ing, at outdoor fire pits.

How About These Hikes?

If locals love it, you know it must be good. Tom Cooke Trail is one of Reno Tahoe’s premier urban trails for hiking and fat tire biking, and your dog can join too! The trail parallels the nearby Truckee River and all of the scenery glistens in the hues of the season- golden in winter and then colorful with pop ups of spring bloom. From the high points you can see the Biggest Little City in the World sparkling across the mountainous Sierra.

Just a few miles outside of downtown Reno is one of the best kept secrets for hiking and mountain biking. Peavine Mountain has over 60 miles of trails favored by thrill-seeking mountain bikers. Enjoy desert single-track with views of downtown Reno, the Sierra Nevada and Virginia Range. In the spring and early summer, you’ll find the trails lined with wildflowers.

Tunnel Creek Trail is ideal to hike or bike as the days get longer. The 7-mile (out-and back) trail has sensational views of Lake Tahoe, backed by the snowy Sierra mountains. There’s some solid cardio climbing involved, but the reward is views of Lake Tahoe getting wider as you go. Be sure to reward yourself with a pre- or post-hike snack at Tunnel Creek Café.

Rapid Exposure!

Spring snowmelt means one thing: ride the rapids! Truckee River cuts right through downtown Reno, sections of which bring whitewater thrills (the rapids known as Jaws and Bronco don’t disappoint). Not interested in the rollicking stuff? You can always opt for a tubing journey along calmer, scenic stretches.

Museums Are Cool!

The National Automobile Museum’s E.L. Wiegand Children’s Educational Activity Center has five sections designed for different ages. Interactive exhibits teach the history of the automobile. Kids can participate in a car wash simulation designed to educate about a vehicle’s basics.

See the Sea Dragons at the Nevada Museum of Art in Reno. Well before humans, Nevada was submerged under ancient water and filled with creatures that today are alive in the stories and rare fossils of the ichthyosaur species.

Dinosaurs and more rule at The Discovery in Reno. Also known as The Terry Wells Nevada Discovery Museum, this is a science center for the ages… 67,000 square feet of hands-on, climb-on, learn-on exhibitions, including Allosaurus, a Jurassic era dinosaur. Step into the Mindbender Mansion (through April 2025) to puzzle out clues and secrets and brain teasers in multiple themed rooms. You’ll have to work a spaceship in one of them! Or climb into the stratosphere in the Cloud Climber, one of the most popular exhibits for little adventurers.

With an art studio, story time, toddler time, and seasonally themed activity tables, the Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada in Carson City is all about play-based learning and creativity to foster imagination, including interactive exhibits.

Are You Talking Birdie?

There are more than 50 golf courses within an hour of Reno. A few to swing for: “The Shoe” amid Truckee Meadows and the PGA Tour’s Old Greenwood course are favorites. As are Reno courses like Lakeridge and Redhawk Golf and Resort.

Stay on par with your swing and form, thanks to winter indoor golf lessons at Incline Village (book a virtual tee time at the golf simulator). Come spring, you’ll be more than ready to take on Incline’s scenic Championship Course and Mountain Course. Lake views? Fore shore!

Eat, Drink, Stroll, Repeat

Meander among the shops and find entertainment for the whole group at Shayden Summit Reno. Anchored by the only Dillard’s in the region, the outdoor shopping center is busy with good vibes and great variety—from stores to restaurants, and a movie theater.

Located just east of Reno in nearby Sparks, The Outlets at Legends is an open-air entertainment, dining, and shopping destination, with a giant indoor Ferris wheel. Browse the stores, enjoy the outdoor firepits, eat, drink, and see a movie.