Accessible Travel in Reno Tahoe

In Reno Tahoe, the outdoors are a refuge from the hustle and bustle of daily life. And since we have so many outdoor options right at our fingertips, it’s easy to find ways to rest, relax and recharge in nature. We’ve rounded up some of the best outdoor activities for those looking for accessible trails and parks in the area.

Wilbur D. May Arboretum & Botanical Garden

Located minutes from downtown Reno in Rancho San Rafael Park, the 23-acre Wilbur D. May Arboretum and Botanical Garden is home to beautiful gardens and plants that can be explored year-round. The arboretum grounds have both paved and gravel paths. The gravel paths are wheelchair accessible when dry but can become muddy. Service dogs are allowed in all areas of Rancho San Rafael Park, including the May Arboretum.

Oxbow Nature Study Area

As one of the few relatively intact riparian areas along the Truckee River, Oxbow Nature Study Area is a natural oasis close to downtown Reno. There is a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk that begins near the interpretive center.

Tahoe East Shore Trail

This three-mile-long path connects Sand Harbor Nevada State Park and Incline Village via a wide, paved path. Paid parking is available at either end of the Tahoe East Shore Trail, near Tunnel Creek Café in Incline Village or at Sand Harbor. Be aware that Sand Harbor fills up quickly and can limit parking options for all visitors accessing the trail.

Tahoe-Pyramid Trail

The Tahoe-Pyramid Trail runs from Lake Tahoe to Pyramid Lake, and the section between Mayberry Park and downtown Reno is paved with several access points. Parking for trail access can be found at Idlewild Park, Mayberry Park, Dorskar Park, Crissy Caughlin Park and downtown Reno.

Tahoe Meadows

Located near the Mount Rose summit, Tahoe Meadows offers an accessible trail system that winds through the beautiful meadow. Since this area does receive plenty of snow, the trails are often snow-covered in the winter months so check before you plan your winter visit to this area.

Taylor Creek Visitor Center

The accessible 1/2-mile trail at Taylor Creek Visitor Center takes you through forests, meadows and marshlands to the creek. In the fall, you can see Kokanee salmon spawning in the creek – a truly unique event to witness!

Genoa Trail System

The Genoa Trail System includes two accessible hikes in the Nature Conservancy’s River Ranch, along with a trail between the town of Genoa and David Walley’s Hot Spring Resort. At the River Ranch, there is the East Brockliss Loop, a 3/4-mile long trail that is fairly flat with a natural surface and two boardwalks over water, and the West Fork Trail, a two-mile trail that is flat and wide. The 1.3-mile-long Genoa Vista Trail connects David Walley’s Hot Spring Resort and the town of Genoa. There are also several other Nevada hot springs and hot springs resorts that are accessible.

Palisades Tahoe

Palisades Tahoe provides ADA accessibility, services and locations at both Olympic Valley and Alpine Meadows. The resort allows the use of adaptive devices or other manually-powered mobility aids designed for the slopes. Service animals are allowed into all areas of facility where customers are normally allowed. Please call 1-800-403-0206 in advance for special accommodations.

Palisades Tahoe is a proud partner and host of Achieve Tahoe. Achieve Tahoe provides instruction and can arrange use of such devices when requested in advance.

Heavenly Mountain Resort

Heavenly Mountain Resort offers adaptive ski/ride lessons with one-on-one focus with a trained expert and specialized equipment. Certain adaptive equipment is provided through adaptive lessons and not available for rental outside the Ski and Ride School. Please call 530-542-6904 for more information, as reservations are recommended in advance.

National Automobile Museum

The National Automobile Museum (The Harrah Collection) has a “Wow!” factor you don’t often find in a museum. Along with our nearly two million visitors, we invite you to explore our collection of more than 200 exceptional vehicles. You’ll see vintage, classic and special interest automobiles, rare and one-of-a-kind wonders, dynamic race cars and one of the finest Horseless Carriage collections in the world. The majority of our cars are from the world-famous collection of the late Bill Harrah.

The museum is ADA compliant and accessible including its restrooms, galleries, gift shop and parking area. The National Automobile Museum also offers wheelchairs for visitors free of charge.

Nevada Museum of Art

For almost its entire 90-year history, the Nevada Museum of Art has provided significant arts education programming for the public, school-aged youth, teachers, and artists in Northern Nevada. Providing rich cultural programming for the community and region has been a central focus of the Museum’s educational mission, and the Museum seeks to further this important foundation of work.

The Nevada Museum of Art’s public areas are wheelchair accessible and wheelchairs are provided free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis. Elevators are located throughout the museum. The Nevada Museum of Art provides assisted listening devices and sign language interpretation. Guide dogs are welcome. Please call 775-329-3333 ex. 100 for further information.

The Discovery

The Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum (best known as The Discovery) is Nevada’s largest hands-on science center. The Discovery boasts 67,000 square feet of ever-changing exhibitions focused on science, technology, engineering, art, history and invention, all designed to inspire curiosity, creativity and the joy of lifelong learning in all who visit. The Discovery also regularly hosts featured exhibitions on topics ranging from rare monster-sized fish, to larger-than-life dinosaur fossils, to mind-bending puzzles, and more!

Sports

Reno hosts multiple sporting events. The main venues are Greater Nevada Field, Lawlor Events Center, and Mackay Stadium. All of which are accessible.