What to do This Spring in Reno-Tahoe Territory

Spring is the season of new beginnings and an opportunity to refresh and renew. Spring in Reno-Tahoe Territory invites visitors to its vast and diverse region for a chance to mark the new season with experiences to revitalize mind and body, connect with nature and escape to a region unparalleled in beauty, history and adventure.

Take it Slow in Reno-Sparks
Head over to the National Automobile Museum in Reno to catch the latest exhibit, Low and Slow. The exhibit features lowriders from the region along with lowrider bicycles, a pedal car, artwork, music and this history of lowriding. Stroll through the museum and take in the culture of lowriders as an artistic expression and see the award-winning museum’s staples like the Harrah’s Car Collection.

After enjoying the Biggest Little City’s arts, music, food and entertainment, visitors have a unique opportunity to unwind at south Reno’s historic Steamboat Hot Springs Healing Center & Reno Spa,  a natural spring with geothermal mineral water. Steamboat Springs offers private soaking baths filled with all-natural geothermal mineral water containing rare minerals. Along with a healing mineral soak, guests can also enjoy massages, detoxifying mud treatments, ayurvedic healing and sonatherapy.

Brian Walker / Brian Walker Photography

Kick Off the Season’s Hiking and Biking Season in Carson City
Nevada’s historical capital city, Carson City, is nestled at the Nevada’s Eastern Sierra affording immediate access to some of the region’s most popular hiking and mountain biking trails. At an elevation just below the Tahoe Basin and cleared of snow early in the spring, stretching weary winter legs on the Ash to Kings Trail provides a rejuvenation for experienced hikers and mountain bikers with the payoff being waterfalls, layered ecosystems and breathtaking views of the blooming valley below. Prison Hill’s North Loop Trail is a great way to kick off the mountain bike season with its unique, challenging terrain and its beautiful views of the Sierra. It also connects to multiple other trails to extend the fun.

Carson City also offers an educational experience to connect with the region’s native heritage at the Stewart Indian School Cultural Center & Museum. The Stewart Indian School is a 110-acre National Historic District campus that is open to the public and features a storytelling room for craft making, the Wa-Pai-Shone Gallery of Great Basin Native contemporary art, a research room, a permanent exhibition about the history of the school and a walking trail. The campus has 65 beautiful stone buildings built by Hopi stonemasons and Stewart students that provide a glimpse to the past.

Hike Among Wildflowers and History in Carson Valley
Carson Valley’s varied ecological terrain comes alive in the spring when diverse wildflowers bloom across the scenic valley. Hikers have the special opportunity to witness the blooming flora firsthand and may even spot the rare Carson Valley monkeyflower which grows exclusively in Carson and Washoe Valleys. The Fay Luther Jobs Peak Ranch Trail System is a wonderful trail network to spot greenleaf manzanita, threadleaf phacelia, prickly poppy, annual mitra, steamboat monkey flower, trailcup lupine and desert peach. From the trails, hikers can also spot the beautiful blooms of dwarf suncups, antelope bitterbrush, snowbrush, blue eyed Mary, mustang mint, blue elderberry, snowplant, Sierra onion, mountain alder and redstem miners lettuce.

The Dangberg Home Ranch once again is offering public access inside the historic ranch house, where visitors can see selections from the park’s extensive artifact collection and learn about the Dangberg family and Carson Valley’s ranching history. Grand pianos, antique furniture, Persian rugs, original paintings, vintage gowns, and Nevada’s oldest Levi’s are among the displays in the living areas of the ranch house, representing the day-to-day lives of four generations of this prominent family that founded Minden and several businesses in addition to operating the largest ranch in the area. 

Virginia City | Sydney Martinez for Travel Nevada

Stay a Spell in the Most Unique Historical Setting, Virginia City
Virginia City is a bustling modern-day Bonanza that has proudly and carefully preserved its Victorian-era buildings, landmarks, saloons and hotels. The B Street House and Bed & Breakfast is a fully restored 1875 Victorian home in the heart of historic Virginia City. This boutique property boasts intimate guest rooms with authentic Victorian-era décor as well as modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi and full European-style breakfast. The outdoor gardens are devoted to heritage and antique fruit trees and flowers, featuring a fountain and numerous bird baths. Guests are invited to afternoon teatime each day with home-baked cookies and other treats.

For more fun in Virginia City, check out Piper’s Opera House, an historic performing arts venue and so much more. This spring, Piper’s Opera House is hosting an exciting schedule of events for visitors to both feel safe and to learn something completely new. Visitors will love mixing up something new at Spirts with the Spirits, a cocktail mixology class and demonstration. Visitors can also have a stompin’ good time at the monthly Country Dancing night where all skill levels are welcome or monthly bingo with a live DJ.  

Brian Walker / Brian Walker Photography

Shoulder Season Beach Yoga in North Lake Tahoe
Locally known as Big Blue for its healing and restorative nature, Lake Tahoe is an iconic setting for spring renewal. Spring season at Lake Tahoe means less crowds and calm waters. It also means quiet beaches and a perfect time to tune out into a deep yoga session. Sand Harbor is one of Lake Tahoe’s most popular and photographed beaches. Come here in the spring to enjoy the sandy beaches and rocky coves all to yourself.

For private beach refreshments, the Lone Eagle Grille offers dining experience like none other. Situated on the shores of Lake Tahoe in Incline Village, this award-winning restaurant is accented with outdoor fire pits and seating on a private beach for a relaxing happy hour. Soak in Lake Tahoe’s peaceful spring season and snow-capped peaks while enjoying al fresco dining at its best.  

Spring Galaxy Snowshoe Tour in South Lake Tahoe
Take advantage of the season’s spring alpine snowpack with a Full Moon or Galaxy Gazing Night Snowshoe Tour, hosted by Pro Powder Guides. These snowshoe treks are a memorable way to experience the solitude of the changing season and watch the sun cast a purple alpenglow onto the Sierra. The tours are available as long as conditions permit, sometimes into June.

For an on-the-water experience, The Lake Tahoe Water Trail is a 72-mile paddle route along the shores of Lake Tahoe. Spring is an ideal time for this personal standup paddle or kayak adventure, one rewarded with calm waters and spectacular views. Kicking off the challenge at Cave Rock State Park is ideal for launching a kayak or canoe.