Weather at Reno
Wind Advisory in effect — Wind Advisory issued September 12 at 1:47AM PDT until September 13 at 2:00AM PDT by NWS Reno NV
- Tonight
- Mostly Clear
- Temperature
- 52°F
- Wind
- 5 to 20 mph
- Zone
- NVZ003
Access to hiking trails near Reno and Lake Tahoe requires monitoring changing conditions, particularly regarding elevation and snowpack. Many high-altitude trails remain inaccessible until late spring or summer.
Easy Trails
These routes involve minimal elevation gain and shorter distances.
- West Martis Creek Trail: Located at the base of the Big Springs Express Gondola at Northstar Resort. This is a 1.6-mile loop with a 236-foot elevation change. It is mostly flat and even.
- Pinedrop Trail: Located in North Lake Tahoe Regional Park. This 2.6-mile loop has a 130-foot elevation change. The trail is paved and has a 5% grade.
- Stateline Lookout Trail: Starts in Nevada and ends at a fire lookout in California. This 1.7-mile loop features a 300-foot elevation change with a consistent 8 to 12 percent grade. It takes approximately 45 minutes to complete.
- Eagle Rock: A 1-mile out-and-back trail featuring volcanic rock formations.
Moderate Trails
These trails require more physical effort and may include steeper sections or longer distances.
- Tunnel Creek Trail: A 4.7-mile out-and-back route. It begins at Tunnel Creek Café and leads to Monkey Rock.
- Sawmill Lake Trail: Located behind The Lodge at Big Springs at Northstar Resort. This is a 2.1-mile out-and-back trail with a 400-foot elevation gain. Completion time averages one hour.
- Tahoe Rim and Watson Lake Loop: A 3.9-mile loop near Carnelian Bay. It features rolling hills and takes approximately two hours to complete.
- Hanes Flat Trail: A 6.5-mile loop that gains over 1,000 feet in elevation. It takes approximately three hours to complete.
Strenuous Trails
These routes involve significant elevation gain, longer distances, or challenging terrain.
- Mount Rose: The summit reaches 10,766 feet. The trail winds past waterfalls and wildflowers.
- Backside Loop at Northstar: A 12-mile loop with a 4,000-foot elevation change. This trail is intended for hiking from spring through fall and is a collection of interconnected trails.
- Martis Peak: The trail rises to nearly 9,000 feet. The terrain is a mix of moderate to challenging, becoming steeper as the trail approaches the peak.
Cameras on the drive to Mt. Rose trails.
Road Access and Seasonal Closures
Trailheads in the Sierra Nevada often require driving over high-mountain passes. Access is subject to weather-related closures. Before departing, check the current status of the following corridors:
- Mt. Rose Highway: Review SR-431 Mt Rose road conditions for closures near the summit.
- North Lake Tahoe: Monitor SR-28 road conditions and SR-89 road conditions for traffic and potential construction delays.
- Donner Summit Area: Check I-80 road conditions if traveling toward Northstar or Donner Summit trailheads.
- South/East Tahoe: Review US-50 road conditions for access to the Spooner Summit area.
Road conditions can change rapidly. Always verify the status of the specific highway or pass before driving, as winter chain controls or summer maintenance can restrict access to trailheads.