Take the Road Less Traveled With These Four Road Trips From Reno-Tahoe
Hop in the car and explore Reno-Tahoe Territory and beyond with these great road trips.
We are unabashed in our claim that Nevada is the “Road Trip Capital of the USA.” Road tripping through Nevada is unlike anywhere else, with awe-inspiring scenic byways, dirt roads as far as the eye can see, and a horizon filled with gorgeous high-desert and mountain-peaked panoramas. From the exciting scenes of downtown Reno, you are invited to throw your hair into the wind and embark on four very distinct road trips, each full of picturesque natural sights and unexpected discoveries around each turn.
1. Lake Tahoe Loop
Lake Tahoe Loop is a must-do experience for all road travelers. Lake Tahoe Loop begins in Reno, the Biggest Little City, with surprises like a downtown natural kayak whitewater park and a drool-worthy food scene. From here, drive south along scenic Highway 395 through the state capital, Carson City, and on to legendary Carson Valley. The tour then ascends Kingsbury Grade into the mountains. Once cresting the Carson Range, you are bestowed with a panorama of Lake Tahoe’s pure blue waters, surrounded by often snow-capped peaks. At this moment it makes sense why Lake Tahoe is called “the jewel of the Sierra Nevada.” Travel around the 72-mile circumference of the lake to enjoy as many road-side vistas as possible. Don’t forget to stop often on the #NevadaSide where Lake Tahoe’s waters are particularly cobalt blue and interesting rock formations shelter swimming areas. Drivers will enjoy comparing the scenes of North Lake Tahoe and South Lake Tahoe. Once rounding the lake, the tour descends back to Reno where road trippers are encouraged to visit Historic Virginia City, a modern day Bonanza full of wild west discovery and integral to the development of the Lake Tahoe region as we now know it.
2. The Loneliest Road in America
If wide open and away from it all is up your ally, then Highway 50, aka The Loneliest Road in America, is your road trip. From Carson City to Baker, U.S. Highway 50 traverses the entire state of Nevada. This stretch of highway was once storied to require survival skills due to its remote nature. For those looking to seek out gems among the wide open space, stops along U.S. Highway 50 are packed with recreational experiences like hiking, biking, climbing, camping, RV-ing, offroading, motorcycling, horseback riding, sandboarding, stargazing, saloon-hopping, and even hot springing.
3. Burner Byway
The Burner Byway road trip, traveling from Reno to the Black Rock Desert, is a DIY journey in the spirit of Burning Man, full of art, “why not” attitudes and open spaces. This road trip starts in Burner-friendly Reno where an art renaissance is currently unfolding. From Reno, road trippers can catch a high-desert sunset splendor or refreshing dip at Pyramid Lake before saying adieu to civilization as they know it. The next stop is the adoringly off-beat town of Gerlach where you can stock up for your Playa escape. Unmatched freedom awaits in the Black Rock Desert Wilderness where year-round magical creativity awaits.
4. Cowboy Corridor
Nevada is oozing with western heritage and the Cowboy Corridor, otherwise known as Interstate 80, is teeming with museums, art galleries, poetry festivals, and guest ranches that celebrate the state’s rich history. Learn what the Buckaroo lifestyle was all about, walk in the shoes of the first pioneers and celebrate the art of the region’s Native American youth. Each community along the Cowboy Corridor is welcoming, so why not slow down and check them out!
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