Did someone say fall? We did! Reno Tahoe is one of the best places to visit in the fall, with peak fall colors in October, cooler hiking weather, calmer water on Lake Tahoe, and a packed lineup of festivals and haunted attractions. Ready to plan your autumn getaway? Here are some of the best ways to make the most of fall in Reno Tahoe.
Fall Color Spots
The fall colors in Lake Tahoe and Reno are just begging to be photographed, and you must oblige. The leaves begin changing in late September and typically reach their peak in October, making fall the perfect time to take in the vibrant autumn colors. Take a look at some of the best spots to see the colors of fall around Lake Tahoe and Reno.
Fall Colors in Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe comes alive with beautiful fall colors, whether you’re hiking, kayaking, or paddleboarding. A couple of places to experience the season include the Tahoe Rim Trail and Tahoe Meadows.
Fall Colors in Reno
Tourists and locals love walking along the Truckee River looking for some great shots of fall colors in Reno. For a more woodsy adventure, we recommend leaf peeping on the Whites Creek Trail.
Epic Hiking and Biking
Cooler weather and fewer crowds make fall the best time to hit the hiking and biking trails in Reno Tahoe, but please don't forget the rules of the trail. Many mountain biking trails and bike parks near Reno and Lake Tahoe are open during the fall season, making it easy to enjoy breathtaking views of the fall colors.
Spots in Lake Tahoe to Hike and Bike
As the days shorten, we recommend planning accordingly if you're looking to summit one of Tahoe's majestic peaks. This is also the perfect time to take your hiking route to a new level with Tahoe Via Ferrata and climb to amazing views of Olympic Valley at Palisades Tahoe. An exciting way to enjoy the changing leaves around the lake is the 72-mile Tour de Tahoe course.
Spots in Reno to Hike and Bike
Exposed hiking trails in Reno like Evans Canyon or Huffaker Hills might be challenging during the summer, but in the fall we think they're perfect. Be sure to check out Sky Tavern Bike Park to immerse yourself in the beauty of fall.
Fishing Fun in Lake Tahoe and Reno
Fishing in Lake Tahoe and Reno are home to some of the best trout fishing in the western United States. Whether it's the beautiful Truckee River, the majestic alpine lakes, or the world-renowned Pyramid Lake, the options for fishing near Reno and Lake Tahoe are endless! Fall is the perfect time to get out in nature and find your favorite fishing spot. Check out our Lake Tahoe and Reno fishing pages for more information on where to fish, the types of fish you can catch, helpful tips, and more!
Paddleboarding at Lake Tahoe
Summer is over which means the crowds at Lake Tahoe tend to dwindle, but more importantly, the afternoon winds are no longer as prominent. With more than 300 days of sunshine in the Reno Tahoe area, fall is the perfect time to get out onto that famous crystal clear water we know and love.
Lake Tahoe's water temp is at its warmest in the early fall. Mix that with calm water and it truly is a paddler's paradise. Kayaking or paddleboarding are some of the best Lake Tahoe activities you can do this fall.
Entertaining Fall Events
We have almost as many events as we have colorful leaves. Here is just a sample of the many events happening in the area this fall.
Dark Prison Haunted House | September 25-November 1
Take a spooky stroll through the haunted Nevada State Prison in this haunted house experience like no other. Complete with live actors, jaw-dropping special effects, and menacing monsters, are you brave enough to enter?
OffBeat Music Festival | October 2-3
Two days of music discovery - what more could you ask for? This is your chance to get a front-row seat to some new, unknown, unheralded bands before they blow up. This fall, step off the beaten path and discover something new.
Annual Great Italian Festival | October 10-11
Mangia mangia! Raise a glass and sample some of the tastiest Italian fare when downtown Reno is transformed during this lively festival celebrating Italian food, drinks, and fun.
Reno Zombie Crawl | October 17
One of the biggest zombie bar crawls in the world, the Reno Zombie Crawl is one of USA TODAY's Top 10 Best Costumed Halloween Parties in the Nation. Join more than 15,000 revelers for this scary-fun event in downtown Reno.
If you're looking for even more spooky fall entertainment, check out our list of the best family-friendly Halloween activities and can't-miss Halloween parties.
Pumpkin Patch Fun in Reno
Visiting a pumpkin patch and finding the perfect pumpkin to carve is a classic fall activity, and luckily Reno has several pumpkin patches to choose from!
Visit Ferrari Farms in Reno, or Andelin Family Farm in Sparks. In addition to pumpkins, these local farms offer fall festivities such as corn mazes, animal exhibits, and other attractions from mid-September through Halloween. Grab a hot cocoa, throw on your favorite sweater, and get ready to find your favorite pumpkin while you breathe in the crisp autumn air.
Must-Try Seasonal Sips and Treats
Fall drinks are one of the greatest things about Reno in the fall, whether you’re craving something cozy and caffeinated or an adult-only seasonal sip. There’s a whole world of specialty coffee shops and foodie favorites in The Biggest Little City, and some of them offer seasonal specialties. Several of our breweries are also getting into the autumn spirit by releasing seasonal craft beers. Go ahead, get festive and visit all the Reno Tahoe breweries for a taste of the season!
Fall Activities Beyond Lake Tahoe and Reno
Venture beyond Lake Tahoe and Reno to discover the seasonal charm, history, and adventures of Virginia City and Carson City.
Haunted Virginia City
After you have explored all of our favorite fall spots in Reno, head on up to Virginia City to enjoy the spookier side of the season. In Virginia City, the cool autumn air won’t be the only thing that will give you the chills.
Check out the most haunted spots in Virginia City. If you’re lucky (or unlucky), you may just see an otherworldly specter float on by. Nothing screams fall like a little bit of fright.
Fall Festivities in Carson City
Just a quick thirty-minute drive from Reno, Carson City offers several things to do in the fall.
Enjoy the brilliant fall foliage while walking along the Kit Carson Trail. This trail will lead you through Carson City’s historic district and is chock-full of beautiful Victorian architecture, including historical churches, houses, and museums. The Kit Carson Trail is the perfect mix of nature, architecture, and history that will certainly get you into the fall spirit.
Nevada's birthday also happens to coincide with Halloween. The Nevada Day Parade takes place in late end of October or early November in downtown Carson City and features a large assortment of activities in addition to the parade.
Winter Is Coming
Dust off your skis and snowboards, the slopes will soon be white! Some Lake Tahoe ski resorts have announced opening dates beginning in late November. Before you plan your trip to the mountain, make sure to check out the snow report and current road conditions at area resorts.
Visit our outdoor activities page for more fall-tastic information!
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FAQs
Reno Tahoe is one of the best fall getaways in the West. Fall brings cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and changing leaves from the Truckee River in downtown Reno to the trails around Lake Tahoe. You can hike, bike, paddleboard, and fish by day, then catch festivals, haunted houses, and seasonal brews by night, all within a short drive of each other.
Yes. October is peak fall color season around Lake Tahoe, and the summer crowds have thinned out. Afternoon winds are calmer and boat traffic is lighter, so it’s a great time for kayaking and paddleboarding. Days are shorter, so plan hikes and summit attempts to finish before dark, and pack layers for cool mornings and evenings.
October is when fall colors peak in Reno, and the cooler weather makes exposed trails like Evans Canyon and Huffaker Hills far more comfortable than in summer. The month is also packed with events, including food festivals, haunted attractions, and the Reno Zombie Crawl in downtown Reno.
Popular fall activities in Reno include:
- Leaf peeping along the Truckee River downtown or on the Whites Creek Trail
- Hiking and mountain biking in cooler weather
- Picking pumpkins and wandering corn mazes at Ferrari Farms in Reno or. Andelin Family Farm in Sparks
- Sampling seasonal coffee drinks, treats, and craft beers
- Fall events like the Great Italian Festival, Dark Prison Haunted House, and Reno Zombie Crawl
- Day trips to haunted Virginia City or the Kit Carson Trail in Carson City
Fall is prime time for kayaking and paddleboarding on Lake Tahoe. The water is at its warmest in early fall, and the lake is calmer with fewer boats. Other favorites include hiking and biking among the fall colors, fishing in alpine lakes, and climbing Tahoe Via Ferrata at Palisades Tahoe for views of Olympic Valley. By late November, some ski resorts begin opening for the season.