From Reno, you can drive north to see Pyramid Lake Paiute Indian Reservation or drive to South Lake Tahoe which is about an hour and 20-minute drive. Take a spectacular drive to North Lake Tahoe, only about a 45-minute drive with increasing altitude and a winding but breathtaking ride as you start to glimpse the lake. Luckily, there are designated spots where you can pull over and get a photo of the lake from above. Lake Tahoe is the largest Alpine lake in North America and the second deepest lake in the U.S. at 1,645 feet. The area is known for skiing and lake adventures. North Tahoe has a reputation of being more laid back than South Tahoe, so prepare for a relaxing visit.
You can also drive about 4 hours to see the Fly Geyser in the Black Rock Desert, run by the BLM, and make a day or overnight trip there.
Carson Valley, not to be confused with Carson City (the capital of Nevada), consists of four cities. One of them, Genoa, is about a 50-minute drive from Reno. Genoa is an unincorporated town located at the base of the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada range. The historic charm of this small town draws tourists to its quiet beauty and its history.
Within less than an hour drive of Reno you can also get to Virginia City. This is well worth the drive, only 40 minutes, and breathtaking. You’ll pass abandoned mines on this steep incline, telling the tale of the area’s history, steeped in mining myths and tales. There are at least a few stories about Mark Twain’s time living there and numerous tales about where he could be found drinking. The Victorian buildings in Virginia City were built during a 19th-century mining boom. Once home to more than 25,000 residents, there are currently about 800 Virginia City residents. Walk along the wooden boardwalk sidewalks, shop at the touristy Wild West and gem shops, or stop in for a cocktail at one of the taverns. If you’re a train lover, you might enjoy a ride on the Virginia and Truckee Railroad, a scenic railroad built in 1974.
As you can see, there is much to see close to Reno, so make your own itinerary and be sure to scope out some of the many RV parks with gorgeous views in this unique scenic part of Nevada.