10 Easy Out-of-County Road Trips from Incline Village, Nevada
If you’ve explored every corner of Incline Village and you’re itching to hit the road, you’re in luck. Some of the best
day trips from Incline Village sit just over the county line in nearby parts of California, Nevada, and even Oregon.
These ideas all start in
Incline Village in Washoe County, but every stop is in a
different county, just like you asked. So think of this as your friendly guide to “what’s next” once you’ve soaked up the beaches and mountains close to home.
1. Historic Virginia City, NV (Storey County)
Looking for a classic Old West feel without driving all day? Head to
Virginia City in Storey County, about an hour from Incline Village.
This old mining town looks like it jumped straight out of the 1800s. Wood plank sidewalks, false-front buildings, saloons with swinging doors—it’s all still there.
- What to do: Walk along C Street, pop into quirky shops, and visit the old saloons (the Bucket of Blood is a favorite for live music).
- History fix: Tour one of the old mines or take a ride on the Virginia & Truckee Railroad if it’s running.
- Why it’s fun: It’s easy to picture life here during the silver rush. The town has a mix of real history and over-the-top Wild West flair.
If you’ve got kids—or you’re just a big kid yourself—keep an eye out for costumed reenactors and old-time photo studios. It’s touristy, but in the best way.
2. State Capitol & Riverfront Trails in Carson City, NV (Carson City)
Less than an hour from Incline Village,
Carson City makes an easy, low-stress day trip if you don’t want to be in the car too long.
- Downtown stroll: Wander around the Nevada State Capitol grounds, then follow the self-guided “Kit Carson Trail” past historic homes and buildings.
- Museums: The Nevada State Museum dives into everything from Native history to mining to old Las Vegas showbiz.
- Get outside: Walk or bike along the Carson River for soft dirt paths, cottonwood trees, and a break from the crowds around Tahoe.
This makes a great “easy Sunday” trip—no huge hikes, no long drives, just a calm change of scenery from Incline Village.
3. Fallon & the “Loneliest Road in America” (Churchill County, NV)
If you’ve ever wondered what the wide-open Nevada desert really feels like, point your car toward
Fallon in Churchill County, about 2 to 2.5 hours east.
Fallon sits along Highway 50, famously called the
“Loneliest Road in America.” It’s big sky country, with long straight stretches of road, old-school diners, and military jets overhead from Naval Air Station Fallon.
- Visit the wetlands: Check out the Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge for birdwatching, especially during spring and fall migration.
- Desert vibes: Drive a stretch of Highway 50 and soak in that “middle of nowhere” feeling.
- Local flavor: Grab a burger at a local diner and chat with the regulars—people here have stories.
If you’re used to pine trees and lake views, this desert road trip from Incline Village will feel like you’ve traveled to a different world in just a few hours.
4. Rye Patch Reservoir & Wide-Open Skies (Pershing County, NV)
For another quiet Nevada escape, head toward
Rye Patch State Recreation Area in Pershing County, roughly 2.5 to 3 hours away.
It’s a laid-back spot where folks come to camp, fish, and get away from city lights.
- On the water: Bring a fishing pole or just enjoy the lake view. It’s a man-made reservoir surrounded by desert hills.
- Stargazing: On a clear night, the Milky Way pops like you wouldn’t believe.
- Desert exploring: Drive dirt roads (with a suitable vehicle) and hunt for old mining ruins and lonely backroads.
If you like the idea of a simple, no-frills road trip from Incline Village—just you, the road, and the sky—this one is for you.
5. Small-Town Charm in Yerington, NV (Lyon County)
Looking for something mellow and off the usual tourist radar? Try
Yerington in Lyon County, about 1.5 to 2 hours southeast of Incline Village.
This is classic rural Nevada: farm fields, friendly locals, and a slower pace.
- Downtown walk: Stroll Main Street and check out old storefronts and cafes.
- History stop: Explore nearby mining history areas or small local museums (hours can be limited, so check ahead).
- Scenic driving: The drive from Carson City through Dayton and on toward Yerington offers big valleys and mountain views.
It’s the type of place where people still wave from their porches. If you’re craving something real and low-key, this makes a great day trip from Incline Village.
6. Old West Railroad & River Views in Nevada City, CA (Nevada County)
Cross the state line into California for one of the prettiest
road trips near Lake Tahoe.
Nevada City in Nevada County sits about 2 to 2.5 hours from Incline Village (depending on your route and traffic).
This little gold rush town is packed with charm.
- Historic downtown: Brick buildings, hanging flower baskets, and plenty of cafes and shops.
- Railroad fun: Check out the Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum for a taste of how miners and supplies once moved through the mountains.
- River time: The nearby Yuba River has clear pools and big granite rocks—great for a picnic by the water.
If you love the mix of history, good food, and nature, Nevada City checks all the boxes for an out-of-county day trip from Incline Village.
7. Auburn & the American River Canyon, CA (Placer County)
On the west side of the Sierra,
Auburn in Placer County is an easy and very scenic drive, usually 1.5 to 2 hours from Incline Village.
Auburn is another gold rush town, but it’s also a major hub for outdoor lovers.
- Old Town Auburn: Wander through antique shops, grab coffee, and snap photos of the historic courthouse.
- Trail time: Hike or bike the American River Canyon trails. There are options for all levels, from gentle riverside walks to steep climbs.
- Bridge views: Drive or walk near the Foresthill Bridge, one of the tallest bridges in the U.S., for sweeping canyon views.
On a hot summer day, dipping your toes into the American River feels amazing after a hike. Don’t forget water shoes or sandals that can get wet.
8. Quincy & Lakes of the Lost Sierra, CA (Plumas & Sierra Region)
While Incline Village sits in Washoe County, head north into the quieter mountains of the so-called “Lost Sierra” area. Aim for
Quincy and nearby areas in and around Sierra County, roughly 2.5 to 3 hours away, depending on your route.
This region feels like Tahoe’s laid-back cousin—fewer crowds, plenty of trees, and lots of hidden lakes.
- Quincy town: A small, friendly community with a few cafes and shops to explore.
- Mountain lakes: Nearby lakes and campgrounds give you classic pine-and-water scenery, without the heavy traffic.
- Scenic driving: The roads here twist through forest and meadows, perfect for a slow, window-down cruise.
If you love Incline’s mountain air but want something quieter and more “local,” this part of the Sierra is a rewarding road trip from Incline Village.
9. Lava Beds & High Desert Quiet in Modoc Country, CA (Modoc County)
Ready for a bigger adventure? Head northwest toward far northern California and
Modoc County, about 4 to 5 hours from Incline Village. This is better as a weekend trip, but it’s unforgettable.
Modoc feels wild and remote, with high desert, volcanic rock, and endless horizons.
- Volcanic landscapes: Explore lava flows and caves in and around Lava Beds National Monument (check conditions and safety tips before going underground).
- Wildlife: Keep an eye out for birds of prey, pronghorn, and other desert wildlife.
- True quiet: At night, it gets so silent you can almost hear your own heartbeat.
If your idea of a perfect road trip from Incline Village is going somewhere that feels totally different—and far from crowds—this corner of Modoc County delivers.
10. High Desert Lakes & Hot Springs in Lake County, OR (Lake County)
For the ultimate long-distance road trip from Incline Village, head up to
Lake County, Oregon. Plan on around 6 to 7 hours of driving, so this is best as a long weekend or short vacation.
This is classic high desert Oregon: sagebrush plains, rimrock cliffs, and little towns that feel untouched by time.
- Lakeview: Known as the “Tallest Town in Oregon,” surrounded by wide-open country and rolling hills.
- High desert lakes: Explore remote lakes and wetlands where you’re more likely to see birds than people.
- Soak time: Depending on your route, you can seek out rustic hot springs for a relaxing soak under a huge night sky.
If you’ve ever wanted to just drive and keep driving until the map turns mostly empty, this is that trip. It’s the definition of escaping the usual.
Tips for Road Trips from Incline Village
Before you go chasing all these new places, a few quick reminders:
- Check the weather: Mountain passes and desert roads can change fast, especially in winter and spring.
- Fuel up: Some stretches in Nevada, California, and Oregon don’t have gas for many miles. Top off your tank early.
- Bring layers: You might leave Incline Village in sunshine and end up in wind, rain, or cooler high desert temps.
- Know your route: Cell service can be spotty. Download maps before you lose signal.
A little planning goes a long way toward making these out-of-county adventures smooth and fun.
What’s Your Favorite Road Trip from Incline Village?
Now it’s your turn.
Have you driven to any of these spots from Incline Village? Did I miss one of your favorite nearby towns or hidden gems in these counties?
- Which place are you most excited to try first?
- Do you prefer historic towns, desert drives, or high mountain lakes?
Drop a comment and share your own tips, stories, or must-see stops. Your experience might help someone else plan their next weekend adventure.
If you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends and family who are looking for easy
road trip ideas near Incline Village. The more we share our favorite routes and small towns, the more these special places stay alive and thriving.
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