10 Easy Road Trips From Reno, Nevada: Iconic Things To Do Outside Washoe County
If you live in or are visiting
Reno, Nevada and you’ve already hit the Biggest Little City highlights, you might be wondering:
“Okay…now what?”
The good news? Reno is surrounded by wide-open desert, tall mountains, and quirky small towns that make for amazing
day trips and weekend getaways — all
outside Washoe County.
Below are
10 short out-of-county road trips from Reno that take you into nearby counties in Nevada, California, and even Oregon. These are perfect if you’re craving fresh scenery, fewer crowds, and classic Western vibes.
1. Virginia City, Nevada – Old West Charm in Storey County
County: Storey County, NV
Approx. drive from Reno: 35–40 minutes (about 25 miles)
If you only do one road trip from Reno, make it
Virginia CityWhy go?
You get wooden boardwalks, saloons, and old mines, but with easy modern access. It’s like walking into an Old West movie without needing a costume.
- Stroll down C Street past historic saloons and shops.
- Take a ride on the Virginia & Truckee Railroad (seasonal).
- Tour the Chollar Mine or other historic sites to learn about Comstock silver.
- Grab a drink in an old-timey saloon and people-watch.
Travel tip: The road from Reno is steep and curvy in spots, but it’s paved and well-traveled. Bring a light jacket—even in summer it can be breezy on the hill.
2. Carson City, Nevada – Relaxed Capital City Vibes
County: Carson City (independent city), NV
Approx. drive from Reno: 30–35 minutes (about 30 miles)
Carson City is Nevada’s capital, but it feels more like a laid-back small town than a busy government center.
Things to do:
- Walk the Kit Carson Trail to see historic homes and landmarks.
- Visit the Nevada State Museum for a quick lesson on mining and local history.
- Picnic at Mills Park or stroll the path along the Carson River.
- Grab coffee or lunch in the compact downtown area and wander on foot.
If you’re traveling with family, Carson City is a nice balance of museums, parks, and mellow streets—easy to explore in a half day or full day.
3. Virginia & Dayton Area – Lyon County’s River Town Escape
County: Lyon County, NV
Approx. drive from Reno: 40–50 minutes (around 35–45 miles)
Head just a little farther east from Carson City and you’ll find
Dayton and the scenic
Carson River flowing through Lyon County.
Why it’s worth the trip:
- Explore Dayton State Park, where you can walk shaded riverside trails and see remains of an old mill.
- Check out the small-town historic area of Dayton, one of Nevada’s older settlements.
- Combine this with your Virginia City visit for a full “Comstock & river” loop.
This is a good choice if you want something more low-key than Virginia City but still like historic sites and outdoor time.
4. Lahontan Reservoir & Fort Churchill – Desert Water and History in Churchill & Lyon Counties
Counties: Churchill County & Lyon County, NV
Approx. drive from Reno: 1–1.5 hours (about 55–75 miles)
If you’re looking for water in the desert and a dose of pioneer history, this combo trip is ideal.
Highlights:
- Lahontan Reservoir (mostly Churchill County): Boating, kayaking, fishing, and long sandy stretches for picnics. In summer, it’s a popular spot to cool off.
- Fort Churchill State Historic Park (Lyon County): Walk among adobe ruins of an 1860s U.S. Army fort, hike trails along the Carson River, and enjoy quiet campsites.
You can easily see both in the same day: start at the fort in the cooler morning, then spend the afternoon at the reservoir.
Tip: Summer gets hot. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and maybe a sun shade if you’re hanging by the shore.
5. Black Rock Desert – Big Skies in Pershing & Humboldt Counties
Counties: Pershing County & Humboldt County, NV
Approx. drive from Reno: 2–3 hours (roughly 120–150 miles, route dependent)
The
Black Rock Desert is famous for hosting Burning Man, but outside the festival timeframe, it’s a huge, quiet landscape of flat playa and distant mountains.
What to expect:
- Endless horizons and wide-open sky—sunsets and stargazing can be incredible.
- Access via towns like Gerlach (Pershing County) and roads off Highway 447.
- Opportunities for photography, off-road exploring (with care), and pure solitude.
This isn’t your typical “tourist attraction.” It’s more of an experience: standing in a place so open that you feel tiny in the best way.
Important: Always check road and weather conditions. The playa can turn into sticky mud when wet, and cell service is limited. Bring extra water, snacks, and a full gas tank.
6. Pyramid Lake via Northern Routes – Humboldt & Pershing County Edges
Counties: Humboldt County & Pershing County, NV
Approx. drive from Reno (loop options): about 1.5–3 hours depending on route and stops
While much of
Pyramid Lake is on tribal land beyond Washoe County, you can create a scenic loop that takes you through parts of
Pershing and
Humboldt Counties on the northern side.
Why you might like this drive:
- Long, quiet stretches of Nevada highway with lake and desert views.
- Opportunities for bird-watching and photography from roadside pullouts.
- A taste of rural Nevada beyond the usual tourist spots.
This is more about the journey than a packed activity list. It’s a classic Western road trip feel: big sky, sparse traffic, and that “out there” feeling, while still within a few hours of Reno.
7. Lake Tahoe’s California Side – Placer County, CA
County: Placer County, CA
Approx. drive from Reno to North Lake Tahoe (via I-80/Highway 89): about 1–1.5 hours
You probably already know Lake Tahoe is gorgeous. But if you focus on the
California side in Placer County, you’ll get alpine scenery mixed with cute lakeside towns.
Things to do on the Placer County shoreline:
- Hang out in Tahoe City — grab a burger, walk the lakeside path, or rent a bike.
- Swim or paddle at beaches like Commons Beach (seasonal).
- In winter, hit nearby ski resorts like Palisades Tahoe or Alpine Meadows.
Personal note: The first time I drove in from Reno on a clear summer day, the bright blue water literally made me pull over just to stare for a minute. It hits you like that.
Tip: Parking can fill up fast in peak season. Go earlier in the day if you can.
8. Truckee & Donner Lake – Mountain History in Nevada County, CA
County: Nevada County, CA
Approx. drive from Reno: 35–45 minutes (around 30–35 miles via I-80)
Historic
Truckee is a classic mountain town that mixes old railroad buildings with modern coffee shops and art galleries.
What to do:
- Stroll downtown Truckee’s historic Commercial Row for shops and dining.
- Visit Donner Memorial State Park to learn the story of the Donner Party and walk the lakeside trails.
- Swim, paddle, or just relax along Donner Lake.
If you like a bit of history with your outdoor time, this is a great match. You get Sierra Nevada scenery plus real stories about how tough travel used to be here.
9. Gold Lakes & Lakes Basin – High Country Escape in Sierra County, CA
County: Sierra County, CA
Approx. drive from Reno: 1.5–2.5 hours (about 70–100 miles depending on route)
Northwest of Truckee and beyond, the
Lakes Basin Recreation Area (often called the Gold Lakes area) offers dozens of alpine lakes, hiking trails, and scenic campgrounds.
Why go:
- Cooler temps in summer, with forest and lake views.
- Hiking options for different skill levels—from short shoreline walks to longer climbs.
- Canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding on calm mountain lakes.
Driving in, the air feels different—pine-scented, quiet, and crisp. It’s a great way to trade city noise for bird calls and the sound of water lapping the shore.
Tip: Some roads may close in winter due to snow. Late spring through early fall is usually best.
10. Hart Mountain & High Desert Lakes – Harney & Lake Counties, Oregon
Counties: Harney County & Lake County, OR
Approx. drive from Reno: 3.5–5 hours (usually best as an overnight trip)
This one’s farther, but if you’re up for a true
high desert adventure, heading north into Oregon’s
Harney and
Lake Counties gives you a completely different feel.
What you’ll find:
- Wild, wide-open landscapes with very few people.
- Access to areas near Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge (Harney County) and lakes like Lake Abert (Lake County).
- Great bird-watching, wildlife spotting, and dark skies for stargazing.
The drive itself is part of the adventure—long stretches of highway, small towns, and a sense that you’ve really left the usual tourist path.
Good to know: Services can be sparse. Plan your fuel stops, bring extra food and water, and check road conditions, especially in winter or early spring.
Planning Your Road Trip From Reno: Quick Tips
Before you hit the road from Reno for these out-of-county adventures, keep a few basics in mind:
- Check the weather: Desert heat, mountain snow, and sudden storms can all change your plans quickly.
- Fuel up: Some routes, especially toward the Black Rock Desert or into Oregon, have long stretches without gas.
- Pack water and snacks: It’s easy to underestimate how thirsty you get at higher elevations and in dry air.
- Have a loose plan: Know your main stops and how long you’ll be on the road, but leave room for side detours.
Which Reno Road Trip Will You Take First?
From Old West streets in
Virginia City to cool lakes in
Placer and
Nevada Counties, to the wild openness of
Pershing,
Humboldt,
Harney, and
Lake Counties, Reno is surrounded by places that feel a world away—but are only a short drive from town.
If you’re searching for
things to do near Reno, these out-of-county road trips are a great way to:
- Escape the city for a day or weekend
- See more of Nevada, California, and Oregon
- Mix history, nature, and small-town charm
Now I’m curious:
Which of these 10 road trips from Reno would you choose first, and why? Have you already visited any of these spots—or do you have a hidden gem you think belongs on this list?
Please share your thoughts in the comments and tell your own road trip stories. And if you know someone in the Reno area who’s always saying, “I need new places to explore,”
share this post with them and start planning your next drive together.
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