Lots to explore just outside Reno
Reno, Nevada – which is actually west of Los Angeles – is a short drive from Lake Tahoe and other day trip locations. For attendees of The American Legion’s 99th national convention this year, Aug. 18 to 24, there are plenty of sight-seeing activities within a short drive of Reno. Among them:
Lake Tahoe. The northern tip of Lake Tahoe is about a 50-minute drive from Reno. Considered by many the most scenic drive in America, the 72-mile passageway around Lake Tahoe offers breathtaking views of the serene lake and majestic mountains.
At 6,229 feel above sea level, Lake Tahoe is the highest lake of its size in the United States. Overall, it is 22 miles long and 12 miles wide with 72 miles of shoreline, a surface area of 191 square miles and an average depth of 989 feet.
“Lake Tahoe is one of the most memorable destinations,” said Robyn Nichols Matta, director of national accounts for the Reno convention bureau. “Because it is an alpine lake it is at about 6,300 feet of elevation. But you go over 9,000 feet driving to get there.”
Along the drive around the lake, there are plenty of roadside scenic outlooks, hiking trails and options for cruises.
Head to Zephyr Cove Resort on Lake Tahoe where you can board the 500-passenger paddle wheeler, the M.S. Dixie II for a cruise around South Lake Tahoe and Emerald Bay. Cruises leave the Zephyr Cover Marina twice daily for 2.5-hour Daytime Scenic Cruises, and once more each evening for the Sierra Sunset Dinner Cruise. Both cruises offer 360-degree views, fabulous photo opportunities, and experts revealing the history and geology of the Lake of the Sky.
Truckee, California
Between Reno and Lake Tahoe is Truckee, Calif., about a 45-minute drive from Reno.
A quaint Main Street — Donner Pass Road — is home to many locally owned restaurants, gift shops, boutiques and other small businesses. In addition to shopping and dining, Truckee itself offers water sports, walking tours and museums for those passing through.
At Truckee River Whitewater Park, paddlers in kayaks, canoes, rafts and inner tubes can enjoy rapids, 11 drop-pools and 7,000 tons of smooth flat-top rocks and boulders installed for easy public access, spectators and kayaking maneuvers.
Matta recommends stopping to explore the unique town. “Truckee is a railroad town on Interstate 80,” she said. “Truckee has wonderful dining options, boutique shops. And just a few minutes from there is the Donner Museum, which is all about the Donner Party which tried to go over the Donner Pass. It’s got a lot of history to it and is about 25 minutes from the lake itself.”
The name Truckee is derived from a friendly Paiute guide who, in 1844, assisted thousands of emigrants making their way west through a narrow mountain pass on the California Trail. To the white men, the guide’s name sounded like “Tro-kay” and they dubbed him Truckee.
Today, the Emigrant Trail Museum helps visitors learn about Truckee area history and the ill-fated Donner Party. The 20-mile museum is a series of 29 interpretive signs along the scenic drive on Old Highway 40 from Donner Lake over the summit to Rainbow Bridge. The signs illustrate history and highlights at each site along the way.
Virginia City, Nevada
Those heading to the Victorian-era town in the shadow of Sun Mountain should be prepared for a 30-minute drive up curvy, mountainous roads.
In its heyday, Virginia City was the largest city between Denver and San Francisco. Virginia City became one of the most important industrial cities in the West as the mineral deposits made destitute prospectors into millionaires. At its peak during the “Big Bonanza” of 1873, miners pulled $300 million out of the mines that lay 3,000 feet beneath the city.
While the miners have left town, their presence remains in spirit. In fact, many believe the spirits of those lost to the mines still wander the streets of Virginia City, and paranormal experts often visit the town today.
Now, visitors can take in a mine, cemetery or ghost tour; visit a tavern; grab a bite to eat or check out the more than 50 shops lining the boardwalk. Those include leather goods, antiques, Western wear, ice cream, candy and fudge, boutiques, collectibles, jewelry, and other shops and restaurants.
(Note: The rolling boardwalk may pose a challenge to those requiring assistance with walking.)