Discover the Best Day Trips from Reno, Nevada

Reno, Nevada, is ideally situated for various day trip options. To the west, you can explore the pine forests, alpine meadows, lakes, and flowing streams of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. To the east, the Great Basin features wide-open spaces, dry landscapes, and sagebrush plains. In and around Reno, numerous activities exist, from historical sites to water sports, mountain trails, and performing arts. Many of these attractions are family-friendly and come at little to no cost. Here are some ideas for day trips from Reno for your next road trip.

Virginia City, Nevada: Historic Mining Town

Virginia City, a historic mining town located approximately 45 minutes from Reno, is renowned for its rich history tied to the Comstock Lode. Visitors can experience a glimpse of the past with its wooden sidewalks, Victorian buildings, and attractions such as the Virginia & Truckee Railroad. The Old West saloons evoke a sense of nostalgia, while museums, shops, and restaurants enhance the experience. Virginia City hosts various events, including the World Championship Outhouse Races, Camel, Ostrich Races, and ghost walks. Website.

Virginia and Truckee Railroad: Take a Trip Back in Time

The Virginia and Truckee Railroad was originally built in the late 1860s to serve the mining communities of Virginia City and Gold Hill, transporting ore from the Comstock Lode to mills in Carson City. The railroad offers visitors three trip options: two short routes and one all-day train excursion. Most visitors choose the 35-minute journey from Virginia City to Gold Hill. If you have more time, the 24-mile round trip from Carson City is the best choice. Website.

Carson City Nevada Day Trip: 60 Historical Points

Carson City is an excellent destination for a day trip from Reno. A quick 30-mile drive will take you to Nevada’s capital, a modest town named after the legendary trapper, scout, and explorer Kit Carson. With plenty to see, the best way to explore Carson City is by following the Kit Carson Trail, which runs through the historic district. While you’re there, take advantage of the Nevada State Museum and the Nevada State Railroad Museum in town. Website.

Truckee, Nevada County, California

Truckee is a town in Nevada County, California, located in the Sierra Nevada mountains, about 20 miles northwest of Lake Tahoe. Situated at approximately 5,800 feet, it is a gateway to outdoor activities year-round. The town offers stunning views of Donner Lake, a charming downtown area, six ski resorts, the scenic Truckee River, and the majestic Lake Tahoe. With its unique restaurants and shops housed in historic buildings, the downtown district is truly the heart and soul of Truckee. Website.

Lake Tahoe: Adventure and Relaxation

Lake Tahoe is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and offers various activities yearly. In the summer, visitors can enjoy swimming, while winter presents opportunities for skiing and snowboarding. One of the lake’s most popular attractions is Emerald Bay State Park, carved from granite by glacial movements. The bay is only one to three miles wide and features the only island in Lake Tahoe, Fannette Island. Emerald Bay State Park is also recognized as a National Natural Landmark. Website.

Pyramid Lake Day Trip from Reno

Pyramid Lake is the largest remnant of the ancient Lake Lahontan, which once covered much of northwestern Nevada. Located thirty-five miles northeast of Reno in a remote desert area, Pyramid Lake is a popular destination for fishing. To fish there, follow all regulations and obtain a tribal permit. You can find the Pyramid Lake Marina and a visitor center in Sutcliffe. The lake is approximately 40 miles from Reno, about a 45-minute drive. To get there, take Nevada State Route 445 (Pyramid Highway) north from Reno.

Mormon Station State Park Genoa, Nevada

The township of Genoa, Nevada, was founded in 1850 as the first settlement of the Nevada Territory. First settled by Mormon pioneers, the area acted as a trading post called Mormon Station for travelers on the California Trail. The Park Museum features artifacts from the pioneer era, offering a glimpse into life during the mid-19th century. Also in town is Genoa Bar and Saloon, the state’s oldest continuously operating bar, established in 1853. Raquel Welch’s bra is a fun decorative piece in the bar, reminding visitors of its celebrity patrons and adding to its eclectic charm. Website.

Thunder Mountain Monument: Chief Rolling Mountain Thunder

Thunder Mountain Monument Imlay Nevada. This unusual attraction is located along Interstate 80, about 130 miles east of Reno, Nevada. Thunder Mountain is a roadside attraction dedicated to the North American Indians. Known locally as “Chief Rolling Mountain Thunder,” Van Zant was an artist, philosopher, and spiritual leader who began constructing this monument in the 1960s. His motivations were rooted in his vision, aiming to create a sanctuary or a message of peace and environmental consciousness.

Safe Haven Wildlife Sanctuary Imlay, Nevada

Safe Haven is a two-hour drive from Reno. The sanctuary’s primary goal is to rescue, rehabilitate, and provide lifelong care to animals that cannot be released back into the wild. Animals at the sanctuary include exotic pet trade animals, confiscated due to poor conditions, and native wildlife injured or orphaned. Guided tours of the Wildlife Sanctuary are offered with reservations.

If you still have not decided on a Reno Day Trip destination, here are a few more suggestions:

Sand Mountain Recreation Area: Situated near Fallon, approximately an hour’s drive from Reno, this area is renowned for its expansive dunes. Visitors can enjoy ATV riding, dune buggy, and sandboarding activities. The dunes are also famous for producing a unique “singing” sound when the sand shifts.

Burney Falls, California: Burney Falls, located a 2.5-hour drive from Reno, was once called the “Eighth Wonder of the World” by Theodore Roosevelt. This stunning 129-foot waterfall features a high volume of water flow, making it a breathtaking sight. The surrounding area also offers various hiking opportunities.

Hickson Petroglyph Recreation Area: About a three-hour drive from Reno, this site offers a chance to see petroglyphs carved into stone by ancient native peoples. Its remote location provides a peaceful setting to connect with Nevada’s deep past. Website.

The International Car Forest of the Last Church: Just outside Goldfield, roughly two hours south of Reno on Highway 95, this attraction features dozens of cars and buses sticking out of the ground at various angles, all covered in graffiti and art. It’s a unique photo opportunity.

The Chocolate Nugget Candy Factory: Located in New Washoe City, about 15 minutes south of Reno on U.S. Highway 395, this is a fun stop for those with a sweet tooth. The factory is known for its homemade chocolates and has an iconic old prospector statue on a hill behind the store. The Chocolate Factory is a great place to pick up some treats for your Reno Day Trip. 611 US-395, New Washoe City, Nevada. Website.

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