Autumn Getaways in Reno/Tahoe

Escape to these nearby areas for a fun-filled fall.

Natasha Bourlin| Passport & Plume

Summer went by in a flurry of activity, and now, as the fall colors emerge and winter looms, you’re pining for a getaway. There are plenty of easy, entertaining and relaxing autumn sojourns to explore right here in the Reno/Tahoe region that require no lengthy travel times, and often offer some good shoulder season deals. We’ve put together some sample activity-based itineraries for you here, now it’s time to point yourself in any direction and make an adventure of it.

Squaw Valley

Upon entering Squaw Valley, you feel as if you’ve been transported into a magical alpine oasis, removed from the rest of the world. Towering, craggy peaks blanketed below in trees tinged with crimsons and golds embrace you as you decide what to do first. Luckily, there’s plenty.

Tahoe trail running (Matt Palmer)

Take advantage of seasonal specials at the Resort at Squaw Creek’s full-service spa, then dine at any of their six on-site restaurants. Their 14 th annual Magical Memories event offers several weeks of family friendly events come November, as well. Or, nearby at the Village at Squaw Valley, solace seekers can find stunning views, plus dozens of eateries, shops and bars. squawalpine.com; destinationhotels.com/squawcreek

Resort at Squaw Creek

Get your heart pumping this fall and be among the first to ascend Squaw’s new Via Ferrata protected climbing routes up the steep Tram Face. Comprised of permanent steel anchors and cables, Alpenglow Expeditions built the new routes and leads the full- or half-day tours up them that even novices can tackle. Fall is also perfect for some on-foot area exploration through Shirley Canyon’s granite fields, evergreens and hue-changing aspens up to serene Shirley Lake. alpenglowexpeditions.com

South Lake Tahoe

Like birds prepping for winter, head south. Nightlife and events are plentiful in the surrounding casino resorts and Heavenly Village, the outdoors offer scenic hikes and bike rides, plus there’s never a lack of dining or imbibing options on Tahoe’s south shore. theshopsatheavenly.com

For a more rustic South Lake escape, head to picturesque Camp Richardson, where their notoriously delicious and drinkable rum runners plus good grub await all year long at the Beacon. Then, rent a bicycle at their Mountain Sports Center (open weather permitting) or nearby Anderson’s Bicycle Rental and take a ride on the scenic, paved Forest Bike Trail. camprichardson.com; andersonsbicyclerental.com

Granlibakken Resort (Jamie Kingham)

West Shore

On Tahoe’s serene, picturesque west shore, overall wellness is priority at historic Granlibakken, nestled high in the trees and teeming with activities. Relax with a massage, facial or other treatments in the Lighthouse Spa Mountainside, and find your center at their Wellness Weekend event on November 9 – 11, filled with yoga, workshops, seminars and a marketplace. granlibakken.com; lighthousespa.com

Along the shoreline are many places to dine or pick up snacks for a lakeside picnic, like the West Shore Market & Deli or Spoon Café, then head to Ed Z'berg Sugar Pine Point State Park. Get a dose of history at the Tahoe Maritime Museum and cruise the shops in neighboring Tahoe City. For some two-wheeled, four-legged fun, rent a tandem bike at Olympic Bike Shop and ride to one of the neighboring beaches to watch the sunset. westshoremarket.com; spoontahoe.com; tahoemaritimemuseum.org; parks.ca.gov; olympicbikeshop.com

Basecamp Hotel in Tahoe City, California

North Shore

Depending on the weather, which can change at any given moment in fall, tackle the North Lake Tahoe Ale Trail by foot, boat or bike. Download the interactive map, then head out and make refreshing yourself with Tahoe’s many microbrews and menu items a sport of sort. Then, catch a live show at the historic Crystal Bay Club. gotahoenorth.com; crystalbaycasino.com

Basecamp Climbing Wall at Whitney Peak Hotel in Reno

Downtown Reno

If you’re longing for a more urban adventure, head to downtown Reno. At The Row, three different resorts are filled with shows and live entertainment, a huge array of restaurants, a luxurious, brand new 21,000-square-foot spa that drew its inspiration from Tahoe, even a circus midway. Stroll along the Truckee River or on a guided public art tour with Art Spot Reno, peek into the area shops and ascend the world’s tallest climbing wall at the Whitney Peak Hotel. therowreno.com; whitneypeakhotel.com; artspotreno.com

Whether a resident of the region or a visitor looking for activity inspiration, there are many fall adventures to be had right here in Reno/Tahoe. So plan your getaway days, map out your fun and return with a lifetime of happy memories.