A Local’s Top 9 Tips to Summer Adventure in Reno Tahoe

By day, I’m a creative entrepreneur and, by nature, that means I’m always looking at things a little differently. Whether it’s finding inspiration in the landscape or just noticing the quiet, special moments that make a place feel like home, I love exploring this area with curiosity and intention.

Reno Tahoe is known for its beautiful landscapes, iconic events and go-to recreation spots. Over the years, I’ve actually found that some of the best experiences happen just a little off the beaten path. If you're a local looking for something fresh or a visitor wanting to explore like a Nevadan, these are some of my favorite ways to do summer a little differently.

1. Truckee River Hang
2. A Natural Wellness Day
3. Choose Your Lake Tahoe Adventure
4. Explore Beyond Tahoe
5. Hike Rose Knob Summit
6. Hit the Dunes at Sand Mountain
7. Black Rock Desert
8. The Great Reno Balloon Race
9. Quick-Hit Adventures Around the Area

Fly Fish, Swim or Chill in Verdi

There’s no wrong way to enjoy the Truckee River in summer, and part of the fun is finding your own favorite pocket of it. Cast a line, take a dip, float for a few hours or just relax by the water! The river winds through so many different settings that you can pick an adventure at your own pace.

For a mellow swimming or picnic spot, check out Crissie Caughlin Park or Mayberry Park, where shady trees and tucked-away beach access make for a great place to lounge or let your dog explore.

If you’re into fishing, areas near Verdi offer more open space and slower current. Early mornings are best.

And of course, if floating is your thing, the classic downtown Reno float from either Mayberry or Crissie Caughlin Park to Wingfield Park always delivers.

You can make a whole day of it or just drop in for an hour. The Truckee has a way of meeting you wherever you’re at.

Sunrise Swim at Tahoe & Soak in Carson City

Think of this as the Reno Tahoe, all-natural version of a cold plunge and sauna — just with a little more scenery.

Start your morning with an early swim at any beach on the northeast shore of Tahoe, when the lake is calm and clear. Arriving early means you’ll beat the crowds and catch the stillness of the morning before the beach starts to fill in.

Afterward, head down to Carson Hot Springs for a mineral soak in one of their outdoor pools or private tubs. Then walk next door to Shoe Tree Brewing for a locally brewed beer, and grab a bite at Sassafras Eclectic Food Joint, a funky spot with great food, a rotating menu and sometimes live music on the patio.

It’s an easy day to plan, but the mix of cold water, hot springs and local flavor makes it feel like a little reset — without ever stepping foot in a spa.

Paddleboard Yoga, Kayaking or Jet Skiing on the East Shore

Lake Tahoe’s Nevada side has a more laid-back energy than its California counterpart, but that doesn’t mean it’s short on adventure. Head toward the East Shore and take your pick:

• Want a calm, reflective morning? Launch a board at Hidden Beach or make the short trek down to Skunk Harbor for a peaceful session of paddleboard yoga or kayaking in crystal-clear water.
• Looking for a little more adrenaline? Rent a jet ski and rip across the lake with the mountains as your backdrop.

Either way, you’ll get gorgeous views, fresh air and that unbeatable summer feeling.

Other Lakes Worth Your Time

Lake Tahoe gets a lot of love, and for good reason. Still, there are plenty of other bodies of water in the area that offer a different kind of summer vibe. Pyramid Lake, just northeast of Reno, feels expansive and surreal, with turquoise water set against a desert backdrop. It’s great for paddleboarding, fishing, photography or just taking in the stillness of the high desert.

For more room to roam, head to Lahontan Reservoir, a massive lake about an hour east of Reno that’s ideal for boating and kayaking. It’s easy to access and often overlooked, making it a great option for a full summer day on the water.

Additionally, there are the smaller alpine lakes you’ll have to hike into — the kinds of places I won’t name outright because half the fun is finding them. Just know they’re out there, tucked into quiet pockets of the mountains, waiting for anyone willing to wander beyond the obvious.

Expansive Views Without the Traffic

If you’re looking for a hike that offers expansive views without the traffic of Mount Rose or the East Shore Trail, Rose Knob Peak is a solid bet. This trail winds through shaded pine forest before opening up to rocky overlooks and wide-angle views of Lake Tahoe from the Nevada side.

It’s a moderately challenging climb (about five miles round trip with elevation gain), but the view at the top is worth it! Bring layers, plenty of water and a snack to enjoy at the top.

Ride, Slide or Climb

A couple of hours east of Reno near Fallon, Sand Mountain rises up like a mirage in the middle of the desert — a massive, shimmering dune that draws off-roaders, campers and curious wanderers alike. It’s a popular weekend spot for ATV and side-by-side riders, but you don’t need a motor to enjoy it.

If you’re heading out on a quieter weekday, bring a sled or sandboard and hike to the top for some good old-fashioned, gravity-powered fun. It’s the summer version of snowboarding — gritty, weird and way more fun than it looks. Just be ready for the climb (sand is no joke), and don’t forget the essentials: sun protection, water and goggles if you’re planning to shred.

Whether you're riding, sliding or just exploring, it’s one of those spots that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into another world — a reminder of just how wild and varied Nevada’s landscape really is.

From Burning Man to Quiet Solitude

Burning Man is more than a festival; it’s a full-blown, art- and adrenaline-fueled experience rooted in creativity, community and radical self-expression. Curious and just looking for a nudge to go? Here it is. This is truly one of Nevada’s most unique offerings — a temporary city built from scratch in the middle of the desert, full of immersive art, music and connection.

Even if you’re not ready to dive into the full week, you can still experience the magic of the Black Rock Desert. On a clear night, it’s one of the best places for stargazing and quiet camping in the state. The flat, open playa feels otherworldly, especially under a sky full of stars.

Just be sure to go prepared:

• Pack in, pack out. Leave no trace.
• Never drive on the playa when it’s wet. The playa can turn into a sticky-clay that doesn’t lend itself well to vehicles.
• Respect the land and the people — don’t dump anything, and be kind.
• Check the weather, and bring more water than you think you need.

For more tips, check out resources from Friends of Black Rock-High Rock.

Watch from Peavine at Sunrise

If you’ve visited in early September, you likely saw the hot air balloons dot the sky over Rancho San Rafael Park — but have you ever watched them rise while biking or hiking along the trails on Peavine Mountain? Set your alarm early, bring a headlamp, and make your way up the hill just before dawn. From the higher ridgelines, you can catch The Great Reno Balloon Race with nothing but open air and sagebrush around you. I believe this is the most peaceful, magical way to experience one of Reno’s most iconic events from a new perspective.

For Those Short on Time

Here are a few accessible, yet still adventurous ways to experience the best of Reno Tahoe in under a few hours:

• Catch the sunset from Windy Hill.
• Take a hike along a section the Tahoe-Pyramid Trail.
• Drop into the skate park at Idlewild Park.
• Climb the World’s Largest Outdoor Climbing Wall in downtown Reno.
• Sunrise lap at Sky Tavern or Rancho San Rafael trails.
• Take a spontaneous trip to Virginia City to experience a taste of the Wild West.
• Wander the town of Genoa for unique shopping, history and a drink at Nevada’s oldest thirst parlor.
• Ride the water slides at Wild Island.