Explore Reno Tahoe Like a Local

If you’re the kind of traveler who seeks out the hidden gems before the headliners, let us introduce you to some likeminded people. In order to uncover the best of Reno Tahoe—where vibrant culture meets unrivaled outdoor access—Outside teamed up with four adventurers and creators who embody the “No Limits” spirit of the region. From photographers to pilots, these mavericks go beyond the ordinary to find their adventures. Here are some of their favorite spots in Reno Tahoe. (For even more Reno Tahoe adventure, head here.)

Morgan Oliver-Allen

What keeps this adventure athlete, photographer, and filmmaker coming back to Reno is the balance and contrast: “Within 15 minutes, you have every activity you can think of,” he says, “and afterward you have all the offerings of a city without the suffocation of a big one.”

Outdoor Adventure: Tamarack Peak (Mt. Rose)

As a go-to sunrise mission just outside town, Tamarack delivers big rewards for relatively low effort. In winter, Morgan skins or snowshoes for sweeping views of both Reno and Lake Tahoe. Snow often arrives early and sticks around well into spring. Come summer, it’s an essential Tahoe hike with panoramic payoffs. “I usually hit this at sunrise when I’m in town,” he says.

City Pick: Junkee Clothing Exchange

Make the most of downtime with a trip to this “epic thrift experience,” located in the Reno Public Market. It’s chaotic in the best way, perfect for treasure hunting and grabbing food from one of the Market’s vendors afterward. Tip: Junkee is the ideal spot to outfit your Burning Man kit before you hit the Black Rock Desert.

Renee “Roaming” Hahnel

Whether she’s chasing light for photos or learning new skills like fly fishing, this adventure photographer sees Reno Tahoe as a place that rewards exploration at every scale, from mellow beach days to dawn-to-dusk alpine epics, all within easy reach.

Outdoor Adventure: Monkey Rock

This short, accessible hike near Incline Village delivers a massive payoff: Uninterrupted, sky-high views of Tahoe’s forested shoreline, blue depths, and the craggy peaks beyond. The 2.6-mile trail climbs quickly to a rocky overlook shaped like its namesake (although some say it looks more like a gorilla). “If you can, try to catch a sunset from here,” Renee says. “It’s magical!”

City Pick: Reno Murals

In the Riverwalk District and MidTown, murals spill across alleyways and building walls near Virginia Street, West Street Market, and along the Truckee River. Many murals sit within a few walkable blocks of coffee shops and patios, making it easy to fold an informal art crawl into a downtown afternoon. “There’s a mural around every corner,” Renee says. “The whole city is full of art, and I personally haven’t experienced that anywhere else in the U.S.”

Jess “Wandering” Dales

This travel pro makes regular pilgrimages to Reno Tahoe, where she learned to love the outdoors as a child. “Tahoe is even more magical than I remember,” she says, “and Reno has really come into its own as a young, vibrant place with so much to experience.”

Outdoor Adventure: Marlette Lake Trail

Sweeping views and the rare “double lake” vista—Lake Marlette just below you and Lake Tahoe beyond—make this 5-mile hike a rewarding, moderate day trip that showcases the Sierra’s dramatic contrast. “It’s so tempting to spend all your time at Tahoe, but once you start looking, there’s so much to do other than sunbathing,” she says.

City Pick: Dickerson Road

Dickerson Road might not look inviting at first, but its industrial bones and warehouses are hiding funky boutiques and low-key bistros. Jess’s favorites include the unique house plants of Sierra Water Gardens and the eclectic swimwear made by Strange Bikinis. Hungry? Right down the street, Gloria’s Cafe is a favorite brunch spot.

Hayley “Fly With Hayley” Herberg

This Reno-based pilot has previously flown with the High Sierra Flight Club and now flies a 1966 Beechcraft Debonair—nicnamed “Debi”—across the region. When grounded, you can find her skiing, boating, or backpacking in the Sierra.

Outdoor Adventure: Ski the Sierra Nevada

“Tahoe’s ski season season is legendary, but when you go makes all the difference,” Hayley says. She favors spring, when “Miracle March” brings deep snowpack, longer days, and thinning crowds. Take your pick from the area’s resorts. Mt. Rose is a local favorite, just 30 minutes from Reno, but even the massive Palisades Tahoe is just an hour away.

City Pick: See Lake Tahoe and Reno From the Air

OK, so it’s more “above” the city than in it, but a discovery flight with High Sierra Pilots widens the aperture for any visitor to Reno Tahoe. Seeing the jagged Sierra, Reno’s bustling streets, or Tahoe’s glittering blue waters from 15,000 feet offers an unforgettable perspective.

Reno Tahoe is the ultimate destination for those who live life to its fullest and always say “yes” to a good time. Where epic outdoors meet the electric energy of The Biggest Little City in the World. It’s your place to do more and be more with No Limits.