Living in Reno gives you access to a playground all year round, but instead of slides and swings, we get waterfalls, granite peaks, and alpine lakes so blue they look like someone slapped them with a Clarendon filter. Whether you’re a weekend warrior, a casual stroller, or someone who just wants to say “I hike” on dating apps, there’s a trail here for you.
We’ve rounded up 15 of the best hikes in the region — each with its own best in show superlative, difficulty level, and distance from Reno. Lace up your boots, pack your snacks, and try not to compare your life choices to that chipmunk that’s faster than you.
Best Reno Hike: Hunter Creek Falls
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Mileage: 6.5 miles
- Time from Reno: In town
A local classic — a 6-mile round trip to a 30-foot waterfall tucked into a canyon just outside the city. Close enough for a last minute hike, but pretty enough to feel like you’ve gone on an adventure. The proximity makes it a perfect “let’s go on a hike” choice without needing to factor in much drive time.
Best Peak Bag: Mt. Tallac
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Mileage: 10 miles
- Time from Reno: ~1 hr 40 min
This 10-mile trek rewards you with a panoramic view over Lake Tahoe that’s worth every thigh-burning step. Hitting the 9,735 feet peak is seriously rewarding, but the trip up is equally beautiful. The trail offers views of Fallen Leak Lake, Cascade Lake, and stops at Cathedral Lake and Floating Island Lake.
Best for Kids: Galena Creek Nature Trail
- Difficulty: Easy
- MIleage: 1 mile
- Time from Reno: ~20 minutes
Shaded paths, a gentle loop, and interpretive signs make this the perfect trail for tiny explorers. Bonus: no “Are we there yet?” — it’s under two miles.
Best Short Waterfall Hike: Eagle Falls to Eagle Lake
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Mileage: 3.6 miles
- Time from Reno: ~1 hr 25 min
A quick climb past a roaring waterfall to a crystal-clear alpine lake. Perfect if you want maximum wow-factor in under two hours. The parking lot fills up fast, early bird gets to spot.
Best Lakeside Stroll: Rubicon Trail
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Miles: 16 miles (but pick and choose any portion and distance you like)
- Time from Reno: ~1 hr 45 min
Hugging the shoreline between D.L. Bliss and Emerald Bay, this 16-mile out-and-back is basically a highlight reel of Tahoe’s shoreline. You don’t need to commit hiking the whole thing and parking a car at either end. Try the 2.5 mile section from D.L. Bliss park that passes by Rubicon Point Lighthouse. Hug the stunning shoreline for as long as you like; just make sure there is enough left in your tank to get you back.
Most Instagrammable: Lake Aloha
- Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
- Miles: 5 miles
- Time from Reno: ~2 hours
A high alpine wonderland dotted with granite islands and turquoise pools. It can get crowded but keep following the trail around the lake to find your own private soaking spot. Serious adventurers can try to find the secret rope swings and waterfall spots hidden around the lake.
Best Quick Reward: Cascade Falls
- Difficulty: Easy
- Miles: 2 Miles
- Miles from Reno: ~1 hr 45 min
Just a mile from the trailhead to the falls, with sweeping views over Emerald Bay. If hikes had a snack-size version, this would be it.
Best Summer Wildflowers: 5 Lakes
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Miles: 4 miles
- Miles from Reno: ~1 hr 15 min
A strenuous first mile climb through meadows rewards you with — you guessed it — five alpine lakes. This is your go-to for wildflowers, swimming, and rewarding yourself dinner in Truckee afterwards.
Best Clothing-Optional Coastline: Secret Cove to Chimney Beach
- Difficulty: Easy
- Miles: 2.5 miles
- Miles from Reno: ~1 hr 10 min
A mellow beach-to-beach stroll along Tahoe’s east shore, where the scenery is equally beautiful whether you’re looking at the lake… or the lack of swimsuits.
Best Summit Near Town: Mt. Rose
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Miles: 10.5 miles
- Miles from Reno: ~30 minutes
The tallest peak around Reno at 10,776 feet. The 10.5-mile round trip gives you waterfalls, wildflowers, and bragging rights all in one.
Best Hidden Gem: Castle Rock
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Miles: 3 miles
- Miles from Reno: ~1 hr 30 min
A breezy loop hike that leads to a rocky outcropping with sweeping views of Lake Tahoe.
Best Urban Escape: Tom Cooke to Steamboat Ditch Trail
- Difficulty: Easy
- Miles: 3.9 miles
- Miles from Reno: ~10 minutes
Follow the Truckee River through sagebrush hills and cottonwood groves. The trail connects with a network of biking and hiking trails for a choose your own adventure outing.
Best Quirky Landmark: Monkey Rock
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Miles: 2.6 miles
- Miles from Reno: ~50 minutes
A rock that looks like a monkey, overlooking Lake Tahoe. That’s it. That’s the draw. Plus, the short but steep climb ends at Tunnel Creek Cafe, where you can cap your hike with a beer.
Best Paved Path: East Shore Trail
- Difficulty: Easy
- Miles: 6 miles round trip
- Miles from Reno: ~50 minutes
Three miles of smooth, lake-hugging path perfect for strollers, bikes, or just admiring that absurdly blue water without breaking a sweat.
Best Off-the-Radar Alpine Lake: Lake Margaret
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Miles: 4 miles
- Miles from Reno: ~2 hr 10 min
An adventurous 4-mile hike to a secluded lake surrounded by granite slabs. It’s peaceful, photogenic, and usually less crowded than Tahoe’s heavy hitters.
Final Advice for Conquering Reno-Tahoe’s Trails
- Start early — parking lots fill up fast, and afternoon thunderstorms love to crash the party. Committing to an early start means you’ll beat the crowds and the heat.
- Bring layers — mountain weather can go from “sunburn” to “hypothermia” in 10 minutes.
- Pack snacks — hiking without snacks is just walking.
- Leave no trace — because “Best Maintained Trail” should go to all of them.
