10 Easy Road Trips From Sparks, Nevada: Iconic Things To Do Just Outside Washoe County
If you live in
Sparks, Nevada, or you’re staying there for a few days, you don’t have to drive far to find new adventures. Once you step outside
Washoe County, a whole world of high desert lakes, ghost towns, hot springs, and mountain trails opens up.
All of the trips below are
out-of-county ideas, using nearby counties in Nevada, California, and even Oregon. Think easy weekend getaways or simple day trips from Sparks where you can hit the road in the morning and be back in your own bed that night.
Let’s dive into 10 of the best short road trips from Sparks and what you can do in each place.
1. Virginia City, Nevada – Old West Vibes in Storey County
About a 30–40 minute drive from Sparks,
Virginia City in
Storey County feels like stepping onto an old Western movie set.
Walk down the wooden sidewalks and you’ll see saloons, candy shops, and old brick buildings that go back to the Comstock silver rush. On my last visit, I watched a reenacted gunfight in the street while sipping a too-sweet sarsaparilla. Cheesy? Sure. Fun? Absolutely.
- Don’t miss: The Virginia & Truckee Railroad scenic ride (seasonal), the old cemeteries, and the quirky museums.
- Why go: Easy drive, tons of history, fun for kids and adults.
- Tip: The town sits over 6,000 feet, so bring a light jacket even in summer.
2. Carson City, Nevada – State Capital With A Small-Town Feel
Just under an hour from Sparks,
Carson City (an independent city, not part of any county) makes a simple day trip when you want a change of scenery without a long drive.
Stroll around the historic downtown, then follow the
Kit Carson Trail, a walking path past old mansions and landmarks marked with blue-and-white signs. It’s flat, easy, and great if you like mixing a little history with your steps.
- Don’t miss: Nevada State Museum (built in an old U.S. Mint), the State Capitol grounds, and the downtown restaurants.
- Why go: Close to Sparks, easy to walk, good mix of culture and food.
- Tip: Park once downtown and explore on foot to keep things simple.
3. Fallon & Lahontan Reservoir – Desert Water Escape in Churchill County
Head about an hour east from Sparks and you’ll reach
Fallon in
Churchill County, known as the “Oasis of Nevada.” Just west of town sits
Lahontan Reservoir, a long, winding lake surrounded by sandy shoreline and desert hills.
If you’re craving water on a hot day, this is your spot.
- Do this:
- Swim, kayak, or paddleboard in the reservoir.
- Try some simple shoreline fishing.
- Bring a cooler and enjoy a relaxed picnic by the water.
- Why go: Easy drive, family-friendly, and great for low-key lake days.
- Tip: The sun can be strong with very little shade. Pack hats, sunscreen, and plenty of water.
4. Black Rock Desert & Fly Geyser – Otherworldly Landscapes in Pershing County
If you’ve ever seen photos of a bright, rainbow-colored geyser in the desert, chances are it was
Fly Geyser in
Pershing County. The area sits north of Sparks, near the edge of the legendary
Black Rock Desert.
This isn’t your quick grocery-store run; it’s more of a proper day trip. But if you like wide open spaces and surreal scenery, it’s worth it.
- Highlights:
- Guided tours to Fly Geyser (must be booked in advance through Friends of Black Rock-High Rock).
- Endless playa views where the sky feels twice as big.
- Photography opportunities you’ll actually want to print.
- Why go: Unique, photogenic, and totally different from city life in Sparks.
- Tip: Roads can be rough and dusty; check conditions before you go and fuel up in advance.
5. Unionville & Rye Patch Reservoir – Quiet Nevada History in Pershing County
Still in
Pershing County, another relaxed road trip option is the small historic town of
Unionville, once a booming mining camp. Mark Twain briefly lived here, and although the town is tiny now, it’s a peaceful place to wander around old buildings and think about how tough life must have been back then.
Pair it with a stop at
Rye Patch State Recreation Area on the Humboldt River, and you’ve got a full day of simple, classic Nevada exploring.
- Do this:
- Walk around Unionville and check out the old stone and wood structures.
- Fish or picnic by Rye Patch Reservoir.
- Enjoy big-sky sunset views on the drive back toward Sparks.
- Why go: Less crowded than big-name parks, mellow vibe, great for people who like “quiet” trips.
- Tip: Services are limited. Pack snacks, water, and a full tank of gas.
6. Winnemucca, Nevada – Basque Flavors & High Desert Trails in Humboldt County
About two hours northeast of Sparks sits
Winnemucca in
Humboldt County. It’s a classic Nevada high desert town with a strong Basque heritage and easy access to hiking and ATV trails.
If you’re a foodie at heart, the family-style Basque dinners alone make the drive worth it. Think huge portions, simple comfort food, and friendly, no-fuss service.
- Don’t miss:
- A meal at a local Basque restaurant – show up hungry.
- Short hikes in the Sonoma Range or nearby foothills.
- A walk through downtown and the small local museums.
- Why go: Mix of food, culture, and wide-open landscapes.
- Tip: If you go in summer, plan outdoor time for early morning or late afternoon to avoid the hottest part of the day.
7. Yerington & Walker River – Rural Charm in Lyon County
For a slower-paced day trip from Sparks, head southeast to
Yerington in
Lyon County. This small agricultural town offers a different side of Nevada, with farms, cottonwood trees, and the
Walker River winding nearby.
On one visit, I spent the morning driving farm roads, then sat by the river with a simple sandwich and a paperback. Nothing fancy, just peaceful.
- Do this:
- Walk or fish along sections of the Walker River.
- Explore the small downtown and grab coffee or a casual lunch.
- Drive the back roads and enjoy the rural scenery.
- Why go: Slow, quiet, and relaxing – a true unplugged day away from Sparks.
- Tip: Check river conditions if you plan to fish or float; flows change with the season.
8. Truckee & Donner Lake – Mountain Air in Nevada County, California
Drive about 45 minutes west from Sparks, cross into California, and you’ll reach
Truckee in
Nevada County. This lively mountain town is close enough for a half-day trip but has enough going on to fill a full weekend.
In summer,
Donner Lake is a dream: cool water, pine trees, and clear views of the surrounding peaks.
- Top activities:
- Swim or paddleboard at Donner Lake’s public docks or beach.
- Walk the Donner Memorial State Park trails and learn the history of the Donner Party.
- Stroll downtown Truckee for coffee, shops, and outdoor gear.
- Why go: Cooler temps than Sparks in summer, easy winter snow access, and plenty of food options.
- Tip: Weekends can get busy. Go early in the day or on a weekday if you can.
9. Tahoe City & North Lake Tahoe – Classic Lake Views in Placer County, California
From Sparks, it’s hard to resist the pull of
Lake TahoeTahoe City in
Placer County gives you that classic California lakeside-town feel.
Tahoe City sits right on the northwestern edge of the lake, with a walkable downtown, lakeside parks, and endless views of blue water and mountains.
- Do this:
- Walk the paved lakeside trail and stop at Commons Beach.
- Rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the shoreline.
- Grab lunch on a patio overlooking the lake.
- Why go: Iconic scenery, great photo spots, and a true “vacation town” vibe you can reach in a day trip from Sparks.
- Tip: Parking can be tight; arrive before late morning in summer, and always check road and chain requirements in winter.
10. Eagle Lake, California – Quiet Lakeside Camping in Lassen County
If you’re willing to drive a little farther (about 2.5 hours from Sparks),
Eagle Lake in
Lassen County offers a calmer alternative to busier lakes. It’s known for good trout fishing, but even if you don’t fish, the open shoreline and tall pines make it a gentle place to reset.
On a recent summer visit, the evenings were my favorite part – cool air, pink sky, and the soft sound of water lapping against the shore.
- Activities:
- Camp or RV at one of the lakeside campgrounds.
- Fish for trout (check local regulations first).
- Take slow walks along the shore and watch the sunset.
- Why go: More peaceful than big resort lakes, simple and natural.
- Tip: Nights can get chilly, even in summer. Pack layers and a warm sleeping bag if you camp.
Bonus Ideas Just Over The Line: Oregon & Beyond
If you’re a true road trip lover and don’t mind driving a bit more from Sparks, you can also explore:
- Lake County, Oregon: The town of Lakeview calls itself the “Tallest Town in Oregon,” and nearby hot springs and open rangeland make it a unique high-desert escape.
- Harney County, Oregon: Remote wildlife areas, sagebrush plains, and some of the darkest night skies you’ll ever see.
- Modoc County, California: Lava flows, wildlife refuges, and a quiet, off-the-beaten-path feel.
These are better for long weekends, but they’re still reachable from Sparks if you plan ahead.
Planning Your Road Trips From Sparks
Before you head out from Sparks into these neighboring counties, a few simple steps go a long way:
- Check the weather: Desert and mountain areas can change fast. Summer heat and winter snow both matter.
- Fuel up: Some areas (especially in Pershing, Humboldt, and parts of Oregon) have long stretches with no gas stations.
- Bring water and snacks: Even for short drives, the high desert is dry and you’ll be glad you packed extra.
- Look up road conditions: Mountain passes and remote dirt roads can be tricky after storms.
What’s Your Favorite Road Trip From Sparks?
You don’t have to leave Nevada – or even go very far from Sparks – to find new places to explore. From ghost towns in
Storey County to lakes in
Churchill and
Lassen, to mountain towns in
Nevada and
Placer counties, there’s always another easy drive waiting.
Have you tried any of these out-of-county road trips from Sparks?
Which one do you want to do next?
- Share this post with friends or family who live in Sparks (or are planning a visit) so you can start planning your next weekend adventure together.
- Drop a comment with your favorite nearby spot, hidden gem, or road-trip tip – your ideas can help other travelers discover something new.
The road from Sparks leads in every direction. All you have to do is pick one and go.
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