Lake Tahoe Loop

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Hit the Road

Start: Reno Suggested Duration: 2-4 days Distance: 135 mi

The Jewel of the Sierra. In a world of hyperbole, this nickname doesn’t come close to expressing the beauty that is Lake Tahoe. Summer, spring, winter, or fall, you’ll be hard pressed to find a more picturesque, soulaffirming spot on Earth. There’s reason enough to spend your vacation at this majestic lake, but why limit yourself when there’s so much to see just a (very) short drive away? With its metropolis, quaint downtowns, and a seriously Wild West stop, the Lake Tahoe Loop is a deep dive into northwestern Nevada just waiting to be discovered.

All Around Lake Tahoe

Drive to Big Blue and beyond.

Start your trip in Reno, northern Nevada’s biggest, most happenin’ town. Begin your exploration in downtown at the Truckee River, which flows from Lake Tahoe. Look for the Biggest Little City in the World arches (yep, more than one) to snap that onlyin-Reno selfie. Wander through Midtown to check out murals, small shops, eateries, breweries, and wineries. Whatever your pleasure, Reno is ready to satisfy.

Next stop, spring skiing at Lake Tahoe. Sunny days are best spent flying down the slopes in short sleeves (don’t forget sunblock!). If you’re based on the South Shore, grab a photo from the top of Heavenly Mountain Resort’s gondola. On the north side, Diamond Peak Ski Resort and Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe both offer views that will stop you in your tracks. Either way, start early; warm temps can make for slushy runs toward midday, plus morning skiing leaves plenty of time for exploration.

Stop a night in Stateline where you can straddle the border of Nevada and California. Harrah’s Lake Tahoe and Harvey’s Lake Tahoe both offer a swanky stay, perfectly located in the middle of all the action.

Next morning, drive into Carson Valley where your trip takes an idyllic turn along the scenic valley with its mountain-studded backdrop. First stop: Genoa. Pore (or pour) over history in Nevada’s very first settlement at Mormon Station State Historic Park and Nevada’s oldest “thirst parlor.” Meander to Minden to check out artifact-packed Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park and sip locally grown spirits at Bently Heritage Estate Distillery. Don’t forget to hunt antiques along Gardnerville’s flowery streets before heading north.

A short drive on US-395 carries you to Nevada’s capital. Even before statehood in 1864, Carson City connected everywhere else on this road trip—from the lumber mills of Lake Tahoe to Virginia City’s mines. Experience these stories at one of two state museums (including one just about railroads) or on a historic walking tour that takes you past the house of Orion Clemens (Mark Twain’s brother) and the home where John Wayne filmed

“The Shootist”—his last movie. Time for some elevation as you head up to

Virginia City. Wandering the boardwalk-lined streets of the historic town (the whole place is on the National Register of Historic Places) it’s easy to believe you’ve been dropped into the 19th century. Revive yourself at the Bucket of Blood Saloon, tour a mine, peruse the shops, and get your picture taken with classic Western characters. Stay the night at The Silver Queen—built in 1876— and your immersion into the past will be complete.

Get a full itinerary, plus road trip essentials, including downloadable directions, maps, podcasts, and tunes for your adventure. TravelNevada.com/Lake-TahoeLoop