Fall in Reno Tahoe – Discover These Autumn Favorites

Happy fall! We assume you’re reading this while you’re either waiting in line for a PSL, (no judgment here) you’re on your way to check out fall colors, or you just finished searching the back of your closet for your box of scarves. Either way, it’s time to read these solid reasons why you need to experience fall in Reno like a local.

See why fall is the best season in Reno Tahoe!

Prime Paddling 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. Lake Tahoe’s water temp is at its warmest in the early fall. Mix that with calm water (fewer boats!) and it truly is a paddler’s paradise. It is fall (haven’t you heard?) so while a bikini might still be doable some days, a hoodie is also acceptable. Kayaking or paddleboarding are some of the best Lake Tahoe activities in the fall.

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. The days are starting to shorten, so plan accordingly if you’re looking to summit one of Tahoe’s majestic peaks. Exposed hiking trails in Reno like Evans Canyon or Huffaker Hills can be challenging during the summer, but in the fall they’re perfect. There is no better time to check out the many mountain biking trails and bike parks near Reno and Lake Tahoe. The fall colors make the already breathtaking views even more spectacular. 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. No matter what you do, grab your favorite seasonal brew from one of Reno Tahoe’s local breweries and enjoy it on a mountaintop while basking in the sun. It doesn’t get much better than this.

Fishing Fun

Reno Tahoe is 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.

Must-Try Seasonal Sips & Treats

Yum, fall drinks and treats! Whether it’s filled with caffeine or of the adults-only variety, fall drinks are one of the greatest things about Reno in the fall. 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 – just maybe not in the same day.

Cool Colors

#NoFilter needed in Reno Tahoe. These colors are just begging to be photographed, and you must oblige. The leaves begin changing at the end of September and peak in October. Take a look at some of the best places to go leaf peeping around Lake Tahoe and the Biggest Little City. You’ll see plenty of tourists and locals walking along the Truckee River in downtown Reno looking for some great shots… and some great spots to grab a bite. For a more woodsy adventure, we recommend leaf peeping on the Whites Creek Trail. Seriously, the colors are unreal and it even made it in our Ultimate Insiders Guide. Be sure to tag #RenoTahoe when you post your Instagram-worthy shots for a chance to be featured on the Reno Tahoe Instagram page!

Perfect Pumpkin Patches

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.

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 is October 28th in downtown Carson City and features a large assortment of activities in addition to the parade.

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.

Entertaining Events

We have almost as many events as we have colorful leaves. Almost. With events this fun (and unique!) you are guaranteed a good time this fall in Reno Tahoe. Here are just a sample of the many events happening in the area this fall.

Dark Corner Haunted House | Weekends, September 29-October 31

Take a spooky stroll through Dark Lane Mall in this haunted house experience like no other. Complete with live actors, jaw-dropping special effects and menacing monsters, are you brave enough to dare to enter?

OffBeat Music Festival | October 5-7

Three 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.

THE ROW’s Great Italian Festival | October 7-8

Manga manga! Raise a glass and sample some of the tastiest Italian fare when downtown Reno is transformed during this lively festival celebrating Italian food, drink and fun.

Reno Zombie Crawl | October 21

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 15,000+ at 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.

Winter Is Coming

Dust off your skis and snowboards! Some Lake Tahoe ski resorts have announced opening dates beginning in late November. Just looking at the snow photos below is getting us excited! 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!