Reno is surrounded by endless outdoor recreational opportunities. The number of outdoor stores proves it with Cabela’s, REI, Scheels as well as several other smaller stores in the area. It really makes sense when you think about the fact that there are both summer and winter recreation as well as iconic destinations to explore.
We decided to dedicate a full day towards outdoor adventures on our recent trip to Reno. We started off our day at Scheels which is the largest outdoor sporting goods store in America! It did not disappoint either. It had both freshwater and saltwater tanks loaded with fish to stare at well as a Ferris wheel inside the store! Did I mention they have just about everything you could need before heading out? We grabbed a couple of things and we were off.
A Great Day Outdoors Around Reno Nevada!
Pacific Crest Trail
I have always wanted to hike the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) and today was the day I was going to step foot on it! We found ourselves headed out of Reno headed towards Truckee, California. We passed Truckee after about an hour drive and we only needed to drive a few more miles before pulling off at the trailhead. I was dancing with excitement as we stopped at the trailhead! I quickly grabbed my camera and backpack and we were off. The first picture? The PCT sign! I now have proof I have been there!
We spent a couple of hours on an out and back trip soaking up the sun, the fall colors, trees, and watching the wildlife. We read several interpretative panels and just had a great time! We had other plans for the day so it was time to head back to the trailhead to continue our adventure!
We got back to the car and headed back to Truckee California. We made a pit stop at Tahoe Mountain Brewing Company and had a beer to celebrate our first hike on the PCT! We got back in the car and headed south to Lake Tahoe! We stopped at Sand Harbor State Park and took a small hike on the boardwalk. This is a beautiful hike and fantastic views of the lake!
We had a great day hiking the area and now wanted to set ourselves up for a great sunset picture. We parked at the boat launch area of the park and found the perfect location! How could you ask for a better day!
It was an amazing sunset and was surprised to be one of only a few people witnessing this event! We sat at the end of the boat launch as the sun disappeared behind the mountains. We were awestruck by the amazing color from the sun and felt like we had witnessed something special!
As the sky turned dark we gathered our stuff and headed back towards Reno. It was a pretty quiet ride back with the occasional comment on how perfect of a day we just had and I can’t believe we didn’t see more people today. We got back to our hotel as was quickly asleep with dreams of sunsets running through our minds.
Great Reno Travel Resources
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Reno Hot Air Balloon Festival Guide
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Sarah
It looks so pretty there! Way to far from where I live but still so pretty.
Aubrey
Those pictures are beautiful. My aunt lives a couple hours out of Reno. Great area.
mya.k
All of the pictures look so beautiful. I'll have to visit there sometime.
Liz Mays
Wow, how beautiful. Hiking out there sounds amazing. Those landscape are just so breathtaking.
Anne
Looks like a wonderful day. I live on the east coast and would love to travel west sometime and see some of amazing scenery out there.
Dawn Lopez
Wow! I really enjoyed looking at your photos and learning more about Reno. It looks breathtaking there. 🙂
Scarlet
Wow. Gorgeous. I must visit Reno for myself. I have never been but I am adding it to my travel list.
Jeanette
I had no idea Reno Nevada was that gorgeous! That hike looks absolutely awesome with all those colors. I don't live too far away I'll have to check it out at some point.
Robin (Masshole Mommy)
I have never been to that part of Nevada. I would love to go explore there someday.
Tammilee
Reno is gorgeous. I love that you can be in the woods and then in the middle of the city within a short period of time.