If you need a little altitude adjustment, you can’t beat the Rubies (AKA “America’s Alps”). Lamoille Canyon, the range’s glacier-sculpted heart, harbors some of the best hiking, camping, fishing, and off-grid alpine solace-seeking this side of the Rockies. Tackle trails along flowing streams and to several stunning alpine lakes, or have a picnic along rushing Lamoille Creek, where keen eyes spot beavers, bighorn sheep, huge birds, and other cool critters. (5h/320mi)
Lamoille CanyonWatering Holes: The 6 “Coolest” Trips from Reno
Wanna beat the heat? Make a splash and raise a glass at these trip-worthy watering holes within easy reach of Reno.
As the thermometer climbs in northern Nevada, the search for “cool” places to go becomes a literal one. Luckily, our state is no stranger to some seriously epic watering holes. Pristine lakes, rivers, and springs? Absolutely. But also the other kind: the types of joints we here at Travel Nevada like to call Sagebrush Saloons.
So the next time you’re rarin’ to get out of town and cool off—whether it’s with a refreshing dip or a frosty mug in a history-drenched tavern—check out this roundup of trip-worthy watering holes within easy reach of Reno.
Travel Nevada Pro Tip
Before you belly up to the bar, download your free Sagebrush Saloon Passport. Digitally check in at nearly 30 storied watering holes and earn points toward exclusive swag.
Get our hot tips on these cool spots, plus where to eat and stay the night
Middlegate Station
Fallon
Distance from Reno: 1hr 45min / 110 mi
Find it on the Loneliest Road in America
If you’ve ever ventured along the Loneliest Road in America, about 45 minutes east of the outskirts of Fallon, you’ve probably spotted three glorious red neon letters glowing in the distance: B-A-R. Next time, let them beckon you off Highway 50 to Middlegate Station, the 1860-built Pony Express station turned stagecoach stop turned real-deal roadhouse that delights all who enter with its authentic, ramshackle wooden ambiance.
Pull up a stool, order a no-frills beverage, tack a decorated dollar to the ceiling, and chat up fellow travelers (or one of 18 locals) as you chow down on juicy burgers, hot sandwiches, or even (if you dare) the multi-pound Middlegate Monster, an infamous burger beast—the slaying of which earns you bragging rights and a free t-shirt (as long as you can make it to the road before your stomach changes its mind). If you indulge too much, you can always crash at the on-site motel.
Grab Grub: Hard to beat the grilled-in-front-of-you goodness right here (and if you like it hot, add a slice of ghost pepperjack!), but if you’re hungry en route, farm-fresh Fallon delivers with tasty sammies and fresh-baked treats at the Courtyard Café & Bakery, and elevated, home-made everything at The Slanted Porch.
Bed Down: Paradise Ranch Castle, Union Street Lodging B&B, Cold Springs Station Resort, Pony Canyon Motel.
Tahoe East Shore Trail
Incline Village, North Lake Tahoe
Distance from Reno: 1 hr / 37 mi
Find it on the Lake Tahoe Loop road trip
Craving some Big Blue vibes, but dreading the potential of Tahoe traffic? Bust out your bikes, blades, and beach blankets—and pretty much anything non-motorized, including your own two feet—and head to this spankin’-new, three-mile stretch of lake-hugging pavement to get the best of both worlds. The result of literal decades of planning, “America’s Most Beautiful Bikeway” connects Incline Village to Sand Harbor by way of picture-perfect vista points and spur trails to smaller (but equally famous) Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park swimming beaches.
Grab Grub: Tunnel Creek Café for breakfast burritos, sandwiches, picnic lunch dishes, and eight beers on tap; T’s Mesquite Rotisserie for fire-roasted Mexican classics and whole-chicken Family Pacs.
Bed Down: Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa & Casino; Parkside Inn at Incline
Lucky Spur Saloon
Kingston
Distance from Reno: 3hr 20min / 190 mi
Find it along the Loneliest Road in America
Take a 30-minute detour south of Highway 50 to Kingston, where pretty much every road actually does lead to a joint Men’s Health magazine once dubbed the “Best Bar in the Middle of Nowhere.” We’d argue that it’s actually the middle of Big Smoky Valley, which you can enjoy an unbeatable view of from your stool at the Lucky Spur Saloon, a scrappy little oasis known for cold beers, stiff pours, old trappers’ gear lining the walls, and always-eclectic conversation with colorful locals, road trippers, fishermen, hikers taking a break from the Toiyabe Crest Trail, and more.
Pair a visit here with exploring trails, OHV routes, and fishing holes in breathtaking Kingston Canyon, soaking in nearby Spencer Hot Springs, admiring the ancient pictographs of Toquima Cave. Park for the night in the campground or a number of boondocking sites up the canyon, or cozy into Kingston 376 for indoor comforts.
Grab Grub: If you’re here, you’re way out there (kudos!), so it’s best to burger yourself up in advance at Middlegate Station or Cold Springs Station Resort.
Bed Down: Kingston 376, Pony Canyon Motel, Cozy Mountain Motel.
Walker River State Recreation Area
Yerington
Distance from Reno: 1hr 30min / 85 mi
Find it off the Free-Range Art Highway
The latest and greatest addition to the Nevada State Parks system provides long-awaited direct access to the stunning and still-wild East Walker River. Fishermen have known about this fabled region for years, but the newly opened Pitchfork Ranch now offers seven literally gorge-ous miles of river to float in a tube or kayak along an established (and nicely mapped) seven-mile water trail. Add in walking and biking trails, wildlife watching, 16 tree-covered campsites (for tenters and RV-ers alike), nice facilities, and you’ve got yourself one seriously cool escape.
Grab Grub: Yerington has you covered with country classics at Sherry’s Stage Stop, beers and bar bites at Cabin Fever, and more. Or take the southern Smith Valley route and stop for burgers and brews at another classic Sagebrush Saloon, Iggy & Squiggy’s Junction Bar.
Bed Down: Pitchfork Ranch camping; Yerington Inn, Main Street Inn, Walker River Resort
Paradise Valley Saloon & Bar G
North of Winnemucca in
Paradise Valley
Distance from Reno: 3 hrs / 205 mi
Find it on the Cowboy Corridor road trip
If you dislike authenticity, steer clear of this place. Situated in the verdant, aptly named Paradise Valley, just 40 minutes north of Winnemucca, this century-plus-old Sagebrush Saloon serves up delightfully old-school vibes—and kinda has to; without any other regular businesses in “town,” it’s a de facto community center, where area buckaroos (some repping their family’s 6th generation as locals) come to get their news and shoot the breeze, usually over tumblers of bourbon, ice-cold beers, and a Picon Punch or three. While the place looks like a bar in someone’s cabin living room, the husband-and-wife proprietors’ hospitality makes you actually feel like it is.
It’s also a good place to be hungry, thanks to a small-but-delicious menu of Basque-style chorizo sandwiches, burgers, dogs, and—best yet, if you come on a Saturday—ribeye steak dinners with all the fixins. The Saturday steak feed has been drawing a crowd for generations, so it’s best to call ahead to reserve yourself a cut of tender, perfectly grilled-up beef.
Grab Grub: Right here! However, Winnemucca eases pre-saloon hankerings with hearty Basque bites at The Martin Hotel and Bakarra Basque Bistro, breakfast and brunch classics at The Griddle, and Mexican favorites at Chihuahua’s Grill & Cantina.
Bed Down: Scott Shady Court, Quality Inn Winnemucca – Model T Casino, Best Western Gold Country Inn – Winnemucca.
Carson River
Carson City
Distance from Reno: 45min / 37 mi
Find it at the start (or end) of the Loneliest Road in America
Ready to make a splash in the Silver State’s capital? The Carson River is the perfect getaway for a chill summer cool down. Whether you’re looking to throw a line and catch some trout, paddle your way on down in a canoe, or simply dip your toe-sies in some fresh mountain water, this natural gem is a great spot to beat the heat. And should your adventure bug tingle for more, the Carson River doesn’t fall short of other fun activities. Enjoy additional outdoor recreation such as hiking, biking, or simply fancy yourself a picnic and take in the beautiful scenery!
Grab Grub: Carson City is known for the “Triathlon:” Make sure to hit up property-mates Sassafras Eclectic Food Joint, wash down a cold one at Shoe Tree Brewing Company, and then to really tap into some relaxation, (once the sun goes down) walk on over to Carson City Hot Springs!
Bed Down: Saint Charles Hotel (also home to The Fox Brewpub), Hardman House Hotel, Plaza Hotel & Events Center, or The Federal Hotel & Max Casino just to name a few!
Worth the Trip
These destinations require a little more commitment than your average daylong excursion. But we can promise you: make the trip and you’ll instantly understand why they’re some of the coolest spots in the Silver State.
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