Cold Springs, Nevada (Washoe County): 10 Fun Things To Do Nearby

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10 Fun Things To Do Near Cold Springs, Nevada (Washoe County)

If you’re looking at a map and wondering what there is to do near Cold Springs, Nevada, you’re not alone. This small community in Washoe County sits just northwest of Reno, right along the California border. At first glance, it might look like “just” a quiet neighborhood off Highway 395—but once you start exploring, you’ll find a surprising mix of outdoor adventures, quirky spots, and easy day trips. Whether you live in Cold Springs or you’re passing through on a road trip, here are 10 great things to do near Cold Springs, NV that are worth your time.

1. Hike and Explore the Cold Springs Area Trails

You don’t have to drive far to have a good time. Right around Cold Springs itself, you’ll find open desert, low rolling hills, and dirt roads that locals use for:
  • Short hikes
  • Dog walks
  • Trail running
  • Mountain biking
The terrain is classic high desert—sagebrush, big skies, and views that seem to go on forever. On clear days, you can see the mountains near Reno and the California state line. If you’re new to the area, start with:
  • Morning walks along the dirt roads on the edge of town
  • Sunset strolls to watch the sky light up pink and orange
  • Easy off-road exploring in a high-clearance vehicle (if you’re comfortable with dirt roads)
Bring water, wear layers, and keep an eye out for wildlife. Rabbits, hawks, and even wild horses sometimes make appearances around this part of Washoe County.

2. Take a Short Drive to Rancho San Rafael Regional Park in Reno

About a 20–25 minute drive from Cold Springs, Rancho San Rafael Regional Park is one of the best green spaces near Reno—and it’s perfect when you want more than just desert scenery. This large park offers:
  • Paved and dirt walking trails
  • Open fields for picnics and tossing a frisbee
  • Playgrounds for kids
  • Dog-friendly areas (on-leash and off-leash zones)
It’s a good “all-ages” spot. If you’re traveling with family or friends and everyone wants something different—some people want to walk, others just want to relax—this park makes it easy. On a personal note, the first time I visited Rancho San Rafael, I ended up staying much longer than planned. I went in “just for a walk” and somehow it turned into a full afternoon of wandering trails and people-watching. That tends to happen here.

3. Visit the Wilbur D. May Center & Arboretum

Inside Rancho San Rafael, you’ll find one of Reno’s underrated attractions: the Wilbur D. May Center. It has two main parts:
  • Wilbur D. May Museum – A small but fascinating museum with artifacts collected from around the world.
  • Wilbur D. May Arboretum & Botanical Garden – A peaceful garden area with trees, flowers, and quiet paths.
If you enjoy wandering through gardens or learning a bit of quirky history, this is a great half-day activity. The arboretum is especially nice in spring and early fall when temperatures are more comfortable. This is also a nice break if you’ve been out in the dry desert around Cold Springs. Think of it as trading dust and sagebrush for shaded paths and shady benches.

4. Discover Downtown Reno: “The Biggest Little City in the World”

Cold Springs might be quiet, but Reno is just down the road—about a 20–30 minute drive. If you feel like lights, noise, and people-watching, downtown Reno delivers. Some fun things to check out:
  • The Reno Arch – Grab the classic photo under the sign that says “The Biggest Little City in the World.”
  • Virginia Street – Casinos, shops, and restaurants line this main strip.
  • Truckee River Walk – Just a block or two from the casinos, you’ll find a calmer side of Reno along the river.
Even if you’re not into gambling, strolling downtown Reno at night can be entertaining. Neon lights, street performers, and the mix of travelers and locals create a unique energy you don’t expect so close to a quiet place like Cold Springs.

5. Walk or Bike the Truckee River Walk

If you like to stay active, the Truckee River Walk in Reno is a must-do. It’s an easy drive from Cold Springs and gives you a totally different vibe from the desert landscape. What you’ll find:
  • Paved paths along the river
  • Bridges with nice photo spots
  • Cafés and restaurants nearby
  • People kayaking or tubing when the water is right
You can walk as much or as little as you want. Start near downtown and follow the river to the west for a quieter, more relaxed feel. If I could give one tip: try to go around late afternoon. You can walk in daylight, then grab dinner nearby as the sun sets and the city lights start to glow.

6. Spend a Day at Pyramid Lake

Looking for something a bit more wild and remote? Head northeast from Cold Springs to Pyramid Lake in the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Reservation. It’s about an hour or so away, depending on your route and traffic. This huge desert lake is known for:
  • Striking blue water surrounded by rugged desert hills
  • Unique rock formations and islands
  • Fishing (especially for Lahontan cutthroat trout, in season)
  • Quiet beaches where you can relax and take in the view
Remember, Pyramid Lake is on tribal land, so permits are required for activities like camping and fishing. Check current rules before you go. The mix of bright blue water and dry desert mountains is something you don’t see every day. It’s one of those places where you just sit, look around, and think, “Wow, this is Nevada?”

7. Head West to California: Explore Bordertown & Beyond

Cold Springs sits very close to the Nevada–California border. In just a few minutes, you can cross into California near Bordertown, a small stop right on the state line. Reasons to head this way:
  • Grab a bite to eat or fuel up at Bordertown
  • Enjoy the scenic drive through the foothills
  • Use it as a gateway to northern California backroads
If you like to drive just for the scenery, this area is great. Long stretches of road, open landscapes, and fewer crowds than the more famous tourist routes. It’s one of those “nothing fancy, but kind of perfect” drives—especially if you put on a good playlist and roll the windows down on a nice day.

8. Hit the Slopes at Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe (In Winter)

If you’re visiting Cold Springs in the winter months and you’re up for a bit more driving, consider heading toward Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe, about 45–60 minutes away depending on conditions. At Mt. Rose, you’ll find:
  • Skiing and snowboarding for all levels
  • Beautiful mountain views, especially on clear days
  • Lodge spaces to warm up with a hot drink
Even if you’re not a skier, the drive up into the mountains can be worth it. When the roads are clear, you can see amazing views over the Reno area and the surrounding peaks. Always check road and weather conditions first—winter in the Sierra Nevada can change fast.

9. Go Off-Roading and Stargazing in the High Desert

One of the best things about staying near Cold Springs, Nevada is the easy access to open land. If you have a suitable vehicle and know how to travel safely off paved roads, this part of Washoe County is like a big adventure playground. Popular activities around the wider area:
  • Off-roading on dirt tracks and BLM land (where allowed)
  • Stargazing on clear nights, away from city lights
  • Photography of wide-open skies, especially at sunrise or sunset
Have you ever truly seen a desert night sky? It can be incredible—especially if you’re used to city life. The Milky Way, shooting stars, and total silence all around you. Just remember to bring:
  • Plenty of water
  • Warm layers (desert nights can get cold)
  • A flashlight or headlamp
  • Offline maps or a clear sense of where you’re going

10. Enjoy Local Dining and Day-to-Day Life Around North Reno

If you’re staying in Cold Springs for a bit, you’ll likely find yourself spending time in north Reno for groceries, meals, and errands. While it’s not a “tourist attraction” in the classic sense, it’s part of the experience of being based here. You can:
  • Try local diners and cafés for breakfast or lunch
  • Pick up supplies for a desert picnic or day at the park
  • Blend in with the locals instead of just hopping between tourist spots
Sometimes, the best part of travel is discovering the everyday side of a place—where people actually live, shop, and relax. Cold Springs and the surrounding Washoe County communities give you a real taste of northern Nevada life.

Final Thoughts: Cold Springs as a Quiet Base for Big Adventures

Cold Springs, Nevada may not be a famous vacation town, but that’s exactly what makes it interesting. It’s calm, it’s local, and it puts you within easy driving distance of:
  • Reno’s city lights
  • Pyramid Lake’s rugged beauty
  • High desert trails and off-road routes
  • California’s state line and mountain gateways
If you’re planning a trip to northern Nevada or thinking about staying in the Cold Springs / Washoe County area, use this list as a starting point. Mix a little city, a little desert, a little lake time, and you’ll get a fuller picture of what this corner of Nevada is all about.

What Would You Add to the List?

Have you spent time in or around Cold Springs, Nevada?
  • Do you have a favorite hiking spot nearby?
  • Know a great place to eat in north Reno?
  • Found a hidden viewpoint or scenic drive?
Share your tips and experiences in the comments—your ideas can help other travelers planning their own trip. And if you found this guide helpful, feel free to share it with friends or on social media so more people can discover what there is to do near Cold Springs, NV.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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