Your Hub for Adventure
Jess.Wandering
Jess.Wandering is a travel blog dedicated to bringing you captivating stories, bucket list destinations, and off-the-beaten-track experiences from near and far.
See why Reno is the perfect spot to start all of your greatest adventures.
Travel gurus Jess.Wandering and EverChangingHorizon loved their first trip to Reno Tahoe so much that they couldn’t wait to come back for round two. They experienced new scenery, neon lights and that same crystal clear water we know and love. Jess said it best. This is where the largest alpine lake collides with the Biggest Little City in the World! And the result is a beautiful contradiction of high adrenaline activities, burgeoning arts scene and remote solitude.
Its proximity to the desert, lakes, rivers and the mountains, combined with its urban energy, means Reno truly is the ideal adventure hub. Just a short drive will have you under the stars in the Black Rock Desert or gliding through Lake Tahoe’s surreal waters. Return to Reno for an evening of good food and entertainment, from live music to casino shows your itinerary can be as full as you’d like it in this 24-hour city. Or spend the day as an urban explorer! Grab a craft beer at one of Reno’s many local breweries, immerse yourself in the city’s arts and culture scene or hit up some of the Biggest Little City’s Instagram-worthy spots such as the Reno Arch. keep scrolling to see more of the best in Reno Tahoe.
Audience
- Outdoor Adventurers
- Groups
When to go
- September
- October
- November
Desert nights, lake days and urban hangs
Into the Abyss
The Black Rock Desert is best known as the home of Burning Man, but the Playa is open year-round. With more than 200 square miles of open desert, the opportunities for adventure are endless. Did you know the state of Nevada has more hot springs than any other? The Black Rock Desert is home to a few, so pack your swimsuit and soak it up. With very little light pollution, the night sky lights up on the Playa. Bring a telescope and your camera for some of the best stargazing in the West. Make a day of it and explore Guru Road, Pottery X and Soldier Meadow all located on the Burner Byway.
Jewel in the Desert
Located 20 miles north of Gerlach and about 100 miles north of Reno is the eye-catching Fly Geyser. A collision of human error and natural geothermal pressure created this rainbow-colored geologic wonder. While the geyser is still located on private property, you can book a three-hour guided tour with Friends of Black Rock High. A visit to Fly Geyser was just the beginning of Jess and Quin’s journey into the abyss or better known as the Black Rock Desert.
Hiking
Not to brag, but we’re kind of a hiker’s paradise. Take the short drive from Reno to North Lake Tahoe. Jess recommends Marlette Lake for a unique “double lake” view of Marlette and the vast Lake Tahoe in the distance. Another of Jess and Quin’s favorite hikes is watching the sunrise over Emerald Bay and then taking the short trail to Eagle Lake for a small glance at what Desolation Wilderness has to offer.
Crystal Clear
Known for its ridiculously clear water, Lake Tahoe is a year-round gem. Rent a clear kayak from Wild Society in Kings Beach for a magical adventure through the crystal clear waters. Early mornings mean mirror-calm water, perfect for paddleboarding on Lake Tahoe. This sport has gained popularity around the lake, and with good reason. Head out early to avoid any afternoon wind and don’t forget your waterproof camera! With a maximum depth of 1,644 feet, Lake Tahoe is the second deepest lake in the U.S. Because of its size and depth, the lake never freezes and the temperature varies slightly. As summer temperatures rise, the cool waters beckon – and there are plenty of ways to heed the call. Cool off with a refreshing swim or paddle among the granite boulders that Lake Tahoe is famous for.
Larger-than-life-art
Not only is Reno your hub for adventure, but it’s an adventure all on its own. The Truckee River, which starts at Lake Tahoe and ends at Pyramid Lake, runs right through the heart of Reno and Sparks. Take a stroll along the Riverwalk for cityscape views and plenty of photo ops. Fuel your inner Picasso by taking yourself on an art tour to see some of the amazing installations straight from the Playa or any of the 80 murals painted around town by local and world-renowned artists. City Plaza features two art installation from Burning Man, the Space Whale and the BELIEVE sign.