Reno Travel Forum

I will be in Reno at the end of Sept - begining of Oct. I would like to find a place to do a couple day hikes. My main concern is the weather. What is the typical weather in Reno at this time, and Lake Tahoe???

I grew up at the Lake. Its a great place to go during that dime.

September will still be quite warm (possibly hot) in Reno. Comfortable in the lake. Nights can be cool, so bring a jumper. Snow is possible, but typically does not happen until Halloween time.

There are countless trails down in the Reno valley, but for the good scenery, head up to the lake.

I will recommend any of those below, feel free to check out some of my pages for photos:
Tahoe Rim Trail - completely circumnavigates the Lake basin.
Mount Rose - go the top of Mt Rose, path starts near summit of NV-431 on the way to Incline Village.
Desolation Wilderness - a complete national part adjacent to Emerald Bay on the south west corner of Tahoe.

When you mean spend the night, do you mean to camp or to get a hotel/motel?

Have you been to Tahoe before? If the answer is no, then I highly suggest you just go for it and get up a little early to make your days full.

Here's my two cents on it:
Sunday morning, drive up NV-431 from south end of Reno, west towards the Lake and Incline. Just after you summit the top, there will be a series of pull offs on the right hand side. One will be a up-sloping fire access road. This is a good place for the start of the Mt. Rose hike. Suggest doing a Google Search for the trail, or stop at a bike/mtn store and see if they have a trial map.

Last time I did it, it took me just under 4 hours up and under 3 hours down. Mt. Rose gives you one of the best views of both the Lake Basin and the Reno Valley.

Drive as far as you want around the lake towards Tahoe City. Kings Beach and Tahoe City will be your most economic stays. Also they will provide you with more restaurants, etc.

I would suggest that you get down to Emerald Bay as soon as possible to maximize your day. Do a Google Search and get some map information on Desolation Wilderness. There are everything from 3 hour hikes to 3 week trips.

Then get back in the car, head back up through Tahoe City, take the split in Tahoe City, and into Truckee. (you will pass the turn offs for Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows).

If the day is not yet spent, you could take a bit of time to relax in old Truckee. Regardless, from Truckee, you can jump on I-80 and return to Reno in ~45 minutes.

Just did a quick search and would have to agree with this post:

http://www.trailsgalore.com/trails/1005579_Mount_Rose_Trail_Nevada.html