Follow the Light
Christian Schaffer
Christian Schaffer is an outdoor adventure, lifestyle and travel photographer and filmmaker.
Discover beauty and adventure when you chase the sun in Reno Tahoe
Alpenglow. Sunsets. Cotton candy clouds. The Milky Way. Reno Tahoe’s skies are constantly serving up an irresistible light show, no matter the season or time of day. Photographers and adventure travelers Christian Schaffer and Nathaniel Wise captured the mountains, desert and city scenery, all set against an ever-changing but always amazing backdrop of Northern Nevada’s sunshine and expansive skies.
Whether your ideal getaway involves desert solitude or urban hustle, you’ll find inspiration for an unforgettable itinerary. Early bird? Catch a sunrise. Nightowl? Our dark skies reveal layers of stars. And the hours in between? Fill them however you would like. We don’t make the rules around here. Keep scrolling for more itinerary inspiration.
The perfect backdrop
Come sail away
Getting out on the water on a sailboat is an undeniably peaceful and unique experience, especially when you are surrounded by the beauty of Lake Tahoe. Don’t just imagine the crisp mountain breeze in your hair and the sun on your skin, make it a reality with a sailing cruise! Sit back, relax and soak up the views.
Art is all around
With more than 300 days of sunshine, exploring Reno on foot or by bike is an option almost all year. Restaurants, shopping and art can be found around every corner in downtown Reno. Keep your eyes peeled for larger-than-life murals and Burning Man art. After all, it’s as much about the journey as it is about the destination.
City lights and sights
The Truckee River makes its way through downtown Reno, bringing a bit of nature to the city’s urban side. Take a stroll through the Riverwalk District to find coffee shops, picnic-perfect parks and plenty of photo ops.
Catch some rays
What pairs perfectly with a hike at Lake Tahoe? A dip in those inviting waters, of course! Lace-up your hiking shoes and head to Monkey Rock for panoramic views of the lake. This popular 2.5-mile (round trip) trail is a fairly easy climb to a spectacular vantage point. To cool off, take a walk or bike ride along the Incline Village to Sand Harbor bike path which follows the shoreline for three miles and offers access to beaches and coves. Don’t forget your floaties and sunscreen!
Unexpected Beauty
As John Muir said, “the mountains are calling and I must go,” but don’t let this bit of inspiration keep you from taking in all that the desert has to offer, from diverse wildlife and striking rock formations. Spring brings blooming flowers and vibrant sagebrush. During the summer, set your alarm early or plan for an evening hike to beat the heat, and see how the landscape changes under the rising and setting sun.
Outside the city limits
If sidewalks aren’t your style and a layer of dust is a badge of honor, then why not buckle up for a little dirt road adventure? There are off-road routes throughout Reno Tahoe so go ahead and put it in 4WD, roll down the windows and explore the great wide open.
Icing on the cake
City skylines and mountain peaks all look better under a vibrant sunset, so get your camera ready to capture some incredible shots as the sun goes down. What can we say, Mother Nature likes to show off a bit around here. Find the perfect vantage point and wait for the evening light show to begin!