Sharael Travels Explores the Reno-Tahoe Territory, One Adventure at a Time
From clear-bottom kayaking on Lake Tahoe to downtown climbing in Reno and a change of pace in Nevada’s historic communities, the Reno-Tahoe Territory packs plenty of variety into a surprisingly connected corner of the state.
That connection takes center stage in a recent episode of Sharael Travels, where host and travel writer Sharael Kolberg sits down with Lydia Beck of Visit Carson City, representing the Reno-Tahoe Territory, to talk about what to see, what’s new and why this region rewards travelers who venture beyond a single destination.
The conversation moves from Lake Tahoe’s shoreline and mountain trails to Reno’s evolving downtown, then into Carson City, Carson Valley and Virginia City—showing just how quickly the scenery, elevation and experience can change across the Territory.
From Lake Tahoe’s shoreline to the mountains
Lake Tahoe naturally takes up plenty of the conversation. Lydia highlights ways to experience the Nevada side of the lake in North Lake Tahoe from both land and water, including the Tahoe East Shore Trail between Incline Village and Sand Harbor and clear-bottom kayaking with Clearly Tahoe.
On the South Shore, the conversation turns to Heavenly, hiking and the Tahoe Rim Trail, along with the Capital to Tahoe Trail connecting the Tahoe trail system toward Carson City. Lydia also points listeners toward Edgewood Tahoe Resort, where lakefront dining offers another way to settle into the scenery.
Heading north, Lydia and Sharael talk about pairing a trip along the East Shore Trail with stops around Incline Village and Crystal Bay. Among the places highlighted are Tunnel Creek Cafe, The Incline Lodge, Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe, Crystal Bay Club and Alibi Ale Works, bringing food, lodging and live music into an itinerary built around the lake.
Reno brings the outdoors downtown
The episode also looks beyond Reno’s familiar casino history to a city increasingly connected to outdoor recreation, public art, food and culture.
Sharael recalls kayaking the Truckee River through downtown and encountering large-scale Burning Man art along the way, while Lydia points to the Riverwalk District and Reno’s murals and arts scene as part of the city’s evolving experience.
For an adventure hiding in plain sight, the conversation lands on BaseCamp at Whitney Peak Hotel, where the outdoor climbing wall rises above downtown Reno. It’s an experience that neatly captures one of the recurring themes of the episode: throughout the Reno-Tahoe Territory, urban experiences and outdoor adventure are rarely far apart.
A change in elevation changes the experience
Perhaps the best illustration of the Reno-Tahoe Territory comes later in the conversation, when Lydia explains what happens when travelers continue beyond the lake and Reno.
Carson City, Carson Valley and Virginia City offer a shift in elevation, scenery and pace without requiring a completely separate trip. Lydia describes the ability to leave busy or snowy conditions around Tahoe and find different landscapes and recreation nearby—one of the qualities that makes exploring multiple Territory destinations so natural.
In Carson City, the conversation ranges from mountain biking and the Capital to Tahoe Trail to Carson Hot Springs and the short hike to Kings Canyon Waterfall.
In Carson Valley, Lydia points listeners toward Genoa, Minden and Gardnerville, with hiking, horseback riding and Nevada history adding another dimension to the trip. Genoa gets particular attention for its historic character and the Genoa Bar.
And then there’s Virginia City, where the experience shifts again. Lydia describes a place where mine tours and Old West history make a visit feel distinctly different from a day spent beside Lake Tahoe or exploring downtown Reno.
One trip, plenty of ways to experience it
That’s ultimately what comes through most clearly in the conversation: Reno-Tahoe isn’t one experience.
Lake days can lead to mountain trails. A stay in Reno can pair outdoor adventure with restaurants, art and entertainment. A drive into Carson City or Carson Valley can trade alpine conditions for a different landscape, while Virginia City brings an entirely different chapter of Nevada history into the itinerary.
As Lydia explains in the episode, RenoTahoe.com brings the Territory’s destinations together in one place, with connections to each destination’s individual website for travelers ready to dig deeper and build their own trip.
Listen to Episode 21 of Sharael Travels: “Reno-Tahoe: Skiing, Hiking, Boating,” then start exploring the Reno-Tahoe Territory.