Outdoor Activities
A Perfect Summer Day in Reno Tahoe
Jordan Drew
For Jordan, it’s a good day if he’s gotten outside! Having the great fortune of calling Reno Tahoe home for the past 12 years, he’s fallen in love with the convenient outdoor access and vibrant community he’s cultivated.
There's something magical about summer in the Reno Tahoe area — the endless possibilities of adventure packed into a single day. Last weekend, we decided to experience as much as possible, starting with our morning fuel and ending with a Lake Tahoe sunset. Here's how we spent our perfect summer day.
Early Morning Coffee
We kicked off our adventure at Hub Coffee Roasters by the river in Reno, where the local coffee scene meets the energy of outdoor enthusiasts planning their day. Hub embodies Reno's entrepreneurial spirit — they started in a garage in MidTown back in 2009 and have grown into a local institution. With quality coffee in hand and the excitement of adventure ahead, we were ready to head into the foothills.
Mid-Morning Trail Running
The Hunter Creek area offers some of the most accessible and rewarding trail running and hiking right in Reno's backyard. The trailhead provides convenient amenities, including restroom facilities, making it easy to prepare for the adventure ahead. During the spring and early summer, the foothills come alive with wildflowers, creating a colorful backdrop against the high desert landscape and Sierra Nevada mountains.
Some of our favorite trails in the area include:
- Hunter Creek Trail - 5.8 miles, out and back, with 1,200 ft. of elevation gain
- Steamboat Ditch Trail - anywhere from 1 mile to 13 miles, out and back
- Piper Lookout - an "off trail" option for the adventurous, about 5.5 miles, out and back, with 2,000 ft. of elevation gain
The beauty of exploring the Reno foothills is the variety. Whether you're looking for a quick morning adventure or a more challenging climb, there's something for every fitness level. The views back toward the valley make every step worth it.
Afternoon Rock Climbing
After our morning trail adventure, we headed south to Castle Rock, located at the top of Kingsbury Grade just outside the historic town of Minden/Gardnerville, Nevada. The approach from the parking area is remarkably beginner-friendly, with clear signage guiding you along the well-maintained trail to the climbing area.
Castle Rock is incredibly welcoming for new climbers, though it's essential to have technical knowledge about gear and safety, or climb with someone experienced. Grab your harness, rope and some quickdraws, and push through any fear of heights — you'll be rewarded with incredible 180º views of the southern Lake Tahoe region. The rock quality is excellent and the variety of routes means there's something for everyone, from first-time climbers to seasoned veterans.
Evening Beach Time
After working up a sweat with all our activities throughout the day, we headed to the world's best cold plunge — Lake Tahoe. Zephyr Cove on the Nevada side provided the perfect ending to our adventure day. The ample parking makes it easy to access this beautiful stretch of beach, and the amenities here really complete the experience. We spent time on the sand, grabbed drinks at the beachside bar and watched families enjoying jet ski and kayak rentals.
As the sun began to set over Lake Tahoe's crystal-clear waters, we settled in at Zephyr Cove Restaurant for dinner. There's something about ending an active day with good food and that incredible Tahoe sunset that makes you appreciate this place even more.
The Adventure Continues
We're incredibly lucky to live in an area where we can experience mountain trail running and hiking, technical rock climbing and pristine lake beaches all in a single day — and we've barely scratched the surface. We haven't even gotten out on the lake yet or spent time fishing along the ever-present Truckee River that flows from Lake Tahoe all the way to Pyramid Lake.
That's the beauty of summer in Reno Tahoe. One perfect day just leads to planning the next.
