After our recent looks at Tahoe’s best beaches and the foodie side of Reno, we’re back with a peek into the duality of Reno-Tahoe. This is a corner of the world where you can kayak or climb in the middle of downtown, go from mountain top to beachfront in the same day, hike or bike to secluded waterfalls before trying your luck at the blackjack table… you get the idea. Reno really is the greatest kind of gateway city, and summer adventures are ripe for the picking. Here’s a few ideas to get you started.

From Mountains to City

Once the snow lovers are wistfully packing away their gear until next season, the mountains are prime places to explore. Trails, waterfalls, wildflowers, meadows, stunning views – the Sierra Nevada backcountry has it all. Get your fill of that fresh mountain air, then head into town for a shower and an evening out, complete with a great meal, a show, or a little gambling, if that’s your thing.

If hiking or biking holds no appeal, spend the day at Lake Tahoe instead. No trip to Reno is complete with a thirty-minute jaunt to what’s known as the crown jewel of the Sierra – it’s an absolute must-see. Make a day of it – hit the beach, get out on the water, browse and dine in the little mountain towns – and take time to really savor Tahoe.

In-Town Adventuring

If you’d rather keep it totally local, you still have options. Reno’s downtown Riverwalk District is a meandering path along the Truckee River with a mix of really great restaurants, breweries, and distilleries. If you happened to bring your kayak with you, give the five man-made rapids at the Truckee River Whitewater Park a go, or just watch the pros do their thing. There’s also the world’s biggest artificial outdoor climbing wall at the Whitney Peak Hotel, towering right above the famous downtown Reno Arch.

Floating the Truckee is another, more mellow option. Drop in at Mayberry Park and float all the way to the city center. And for non-water related fun, check the events schedule for Reno’s stacked summer line-up of events. There’s the BBQ, Brews & Blue Festival, Artown, Hot August Nights, Street Vibrations, and the list goes on. Really, there’s something for everyone.

School’s out in Reno, which means summer is officially here. And in this gateway city, that means adventure isn’t far behind!