A Beginner’s Guide to Finding Adventure in Lake Tahoe—Nevada Side, of Course!
As a Midwestern adventurer, it can feel quite daunting to explore nature out West. The mountains can seem very intimidating for some. That’s why we like to share places that are accessible to beginner and wannabe explorers. We recently traveled from Chicago to Reno to explore the Lake Tahoe Loop.
Initially, the main impression we had about Reno began and ended with “Reno 911.” We did not know what to expect, but we knew we were in for a good time.
The majority of people who travel to Nevada fly into Las Vegas. This itinerary is for when you want a change of pace to explore a road less traveled.
Fly Into Reno & Start Your Adventure in Carson City
Rent a car, preferably a 4WD or AWD, and spend the day in Carson City. Our first stop was such a treat. We were greeted by the most beautiful rainbow at the Kings Canyon Waterfall Trail. The hike to the waterfall was short and muddy. Wear good shoes and stay on the trail to visit the most gorgeous waterfall. We consider this trail easily accessible due to the paved parking lot, clear and obvious signage, well-maintained trails, and clean facilities. The hike was only 0.70 miles out and back, too! This is awesome because you get rewarded with amazing views for very minimal effort. Always remember to leave no trace.
Relax & Recharge at Carson Hot Springs
Winter is the perfect season to soak in hot springs. But doing so while enclosed by mountains just feels regal. Even the Carson Hot Springs parking lot offers the most stunning views, free of charge. We knew we would have an amazing time based on the family-friendly ambiance alone. Your entry fee covers two hours to relax in the four hot springs pools. They even have a sauna and private pools! We stayed the entire time to soak our joints because we definitely needed it for our next activity.
Scenic Drive to Incline Village
This is where your AWD vehicle comes into play. Travel up to more than 6,500 feet of elevation into the mountains surrounding Tahoe. The drive was easy and filled with stunning views of California, Lake Tahoe, and the Sierra Nevada. Savor the ride—it’s all a part of the magic of Lake Tahoe. We stayed in Incline Village at the luxurious Incline Lodge. Make sure to take advantage of the amenities like happy hour, free sleds, a pool, and cozy lounges. Our room was clean and nicely decorated with a ski theme. We even had a furnished private balcony.
By now, you are probably wondering where to eat. We had a romantic dinner at Rosewood, about an eight-minute drive from our hotel. We actually noticed that Incline Village is quite walkable, with bike trails and sidewalks around most streets. This is a really cute mountain town that feels so warm and community-centered. At Rosewood, we both ordered the halibut with salad and polenta. We finished off with a dessert of donuts and gelato. Kam said he was too stuffed for dessert, but as soon as he saw the donuts, he immediately dug in. We left nothing on our plate and we had to waddle back to the hotel because we were so full and happy. If you check it out, you will be, too!
Skiing at Mt. Rose: Perfect for Beginners
The next morning, we enjoyed coffee on our balcony and headed out to the slopes at Mt. Rose-Ski Tahoe. Skiing out West can be very intimidating for us! But we love this ski resort because of the number of green runs. We consider ourselves beginner skiers who have mostly skied in the Midwest, so we were super excited to explore a real mountain with mile-long runs!
This ski resort is perfect for beginners because you can ride the lift all the way to the top of the mountain and still take a green run back down. You don’t need to stay on the bunny slopes at the bottom of the mountain. We also took intermediate lessons, which allowed us to progress our skiing really fast on the long runs. You should take a lesson or two—that way, you can ask your teacher about the best and most scenic runs for your skill level.
Explore the Trails of Lake Tahoe
Skiing not your thing? That’s okay, because Lake Tahoe has a number of stunning trails for you to explore. Let us recommend the East Shore to Hidden Beach Trail. It’s a 5-mile, out-and-back, paved trail that offers overlooks of Lake Tahoe. We consider this trail easy due to the gradual inclines, paved trails, extensive parking, and clear signage. As you walk, you will be rewarded with views of Lake Tahoe on your right and the beautiful forest on your left.
Scale One of the Tallest Climbing Walls Out There!
On your way back out of town, rest your bones at Whitney Peak Hotel for a little bit of thrill at BaseCamp—home to the world’s tallest artificial climbing wall on the outside of the hotel. Too much thrill? Just go bouldering inside, or head a few blocks south to enjoy the dining and art scene along the Reno Riverwalk District.
So, whether you’re new to adventure or just looking for a fresh way to experience Nevada, the Reno-Tahoe area is the perfect place to start. It’s got the best of both worlds—cozy mountain vibes and epic outdoor fun—all without the overwhelming crowds. Ditch the old Reno stereotypes, grab your gear (or just your appetite), and come see for yourself. We promise, once you soak in a hot spring, ski down a real mountain, and take in those Lake Tahoe views, you’ll be wondering why you didn’t visit sooner. See ya out there!
Black People Outside is a platform dedicated to increasing visibility for people of color in outdoor spaces. We promote outdoor adventures and activities, particularly around Chicago. We use our blog and social media presence to foster inclusivity and encourage everyone to enjoy nature. Our non-profit specializes in leading free group hikes and trips to help break down barriers that prevent city dwellers from exploring nature. Follow @Blk.People.Outside on Instagram.
