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Straddling the Nevada-California border, Reno is both the county seat and largest city in Washoe County. However, this northwest Nevada city is far more known for its casinos, earning it a reputation as 鈥淭he Biggest Little City in the 麻豆AV." Nonetheless, the area has undeniably beautiful natural surroundings. From its setting along the Truckee River to its proximity to the Sierra Nevada foothills, Reno boasts some of the prettiest natural scenes in the state. Paired with hidden waterfalls, scenic parks, and the 麻豆AV鈥檚 largest free hot-air ballooning event, you may come for the casinos, but you will stay for Reno鈥檚 great outdoors.

Why are Reno鈥檚 Natural Attractions Underrated?

Reno, Nevada鈥檚 鈥淏iggest Little City,鈥� is known as a more affordable and laid-back alternative to Las Vegas, causing its natural surroundings to frequently go overlooked. This reputation began shortly after Nevada legalized "wide open" gambling in 1931 in response to the Great Depression. The new law allowed commercial gambling in the state and Reno quickly opened its first gambling centers to attract tourists and transform its image. Prior, Reno had been known as a "divorce mill" due to the state鈥檚 relatively lenient divorce laws and high-profile figures ending their marriages in the city.

While some found the newly legalized casino industry controversial, for others it was a saving grace, redeeming the city from its previously unflattering reputation. If we look ahead to 2025, we see that this new reputation is still flourishing. While smaller and less famous than Las Vegas, Reno鈥檚 casinos and nightlife are frequently preferred for their more easygoing atmosphere and affordability. Many also come here for the city鈥檚 family-friendly attractions, including casinos like the Grand Sierra Resort, which offers features like arcade games, bowling, and laser tag.

However, while Reno鈥檚 reputation as a tourist spot and gambling hub often takes the spotlight, do not let this dissuade you from exploring its breathtaking natural surroundings. Looking past the glitz and glam, Reno is one of Nevada鈥檚 best nature destinations, boasting a range of parks, natural landmarks, and 麻豆AV-class outdoor events. Tucked away in various corners of this Nevada city, nature lovers can find waterfalls, mountain slopes, and stunning hiking areas waiting to be explored.

Best Outdoor Attractions In And Around Reno

Reno Riverwalk District

Reno鈥檚 Riverwalk District is the best way to experience a blend of city and nature. The district follows the Truckee River, spanning Lake Street and Arlington Avenue. While the scenic waterway is the district鈥檚 centerpiece, there are dozens of Reno鈥檚 best pubs, restaurants, galleries, and shops along the way, offering the best of both 麻豆AVs. Highlights include the Nevada Museum of Art, Wild River Grille, and casinos like Club Cal Neva. Alternatively, to experience more of the district鈥檚 wild side, visitors can explore Truckee River Whitewater Park. The space is popular for whitewater rafting, kayaking, and inner tubing, along with a footbridge linking the Riverwalk to Wingfield Park on an island in the river.

Rancho San Rafael Regional Park

Reno is also home to more secluded nature spaces like Rancho San Rafael Regional Park. Covering 580 acres, this former cattle ranch is now 鈥淲ashoe County's largest and most dynamic park,鈥� showcasing a mix of landscapes like grass pastures, wetlands, woodlands, and high desert terrains. In addition to indoor attractions like the Wilbur D. May Museum, the outdoor landscape offers something for everyone. The Nevada Farms and Families Area is especially perfect for travelers with kids, offering a butterfly garden, playground, picnic pavilions, Herman's Pond, and miles of mellow hiking trails.

The Wilbur D. May Arboretum & Botanical Garden is another gorgeous area for all ages, featuring over 4,600 adaptive and native plants. Since the garden is sandwiched between the Great Basin Desert and the Sierra Nevada Mountains, this unique transitional area only has a 120-day growing season. Spring and summer are the best seasons to witness the flowers in bloom, while fall is preferred to see the trees change color. Early fall is also when the park hosts the famous Great Reno Balloon Race, making this one of the best times to visit.

Great Reno Balloon Race

Famous for being the largest free hot-air ballooning event in the 麻豆AV, the Great Reno Balloon Race is a bucket list-worthy spectacle. Founded in 1982, this beloved tradition welcomes upwards of over 150,000 people each year. While it originally began with just 20 balloons, in recent years, the skies above Rancho San Rafael Regional Park have been brightened with up to 100. Similar to Reno鈥檚 Riverwalk District, this event unites manmade splendor with the beauty of nature, its colorful hot-air balloons contrasting the park鈥檚 deep yellow hills and pastures in a truly stunning way. In 2025, the event will take place from September 5th to 7th, so make sure to mark your calendars in the months ahead.

Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe

For those craving outdoor fun in Reno earlier this year, pack your parkas and head to Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe. A 25-minute drive from Reno will bring you to the base of Mount Rose, the highest mountain in Washoe County. The resort covers 1,200 acres and stretches 1,800 vertical feet, offering a range of ski trails for any ability. Whether taking the beginner slopes or working your way up to its expert trails, the alpine scenes are phenomenal, particularly the panoramic views of Lake Tahoe. With the 2025 season expected to close in late April, there is still plenty of time to experience the grandeur of Mount Rose.

Hunter Creek Trail

In spring, Reno鈥檚 other natural attractions shine, including its waterfalls. With April and May providing milder temperatures, this is one of the best times to hike spots like the Hunter Creek Trail. Along with beautiful mountain views, this 6-mile out-and-back path is famous for its cascade. The 30-foot waterfall is a popular landmark, making a visit in spring that much better, with foot traffic slowed before the summer rush. Later in the year, autumn shares the same benefits of mellowed heat and quieted crowds, with the addition of fall foliage speckled throughout the hike.

Idlewild Park

Not far from downtown Reno, Idlewild Park is another scenic spot to take a break from the city鈥檚 flashier attractions. Spread over nearly 50 acres along the Truckee River, Idlewild鈥檚 landscape blends its natural surroundings with classic park amenities to offer something for everyone. Its playground, swimming pool, and skate park are popular with families while people of all ages enjoy its bike paths and picnic shelters. Idlewild鈥檚 sensory garden is also a hit with kids, encouraging visitors to connect their senses with the garden鈥檚 plants and critters. Adults, on the other hand, may prefer to stroll Idlewild鈥檚 1-acre Rose Garden. Beginning in June, peaking from late June through August, and ending in September, the garden season boasts over 1,700 roses with 200 varieties.

The Animal Ark

April 2025 marks the open season for Reno鈥檚 Animal Ark, a non-profit wildlife sanctuary and nature center popular with people of all ages. Since 1994, the sanctuary has housed and cared for animals no longer able to survive in the wild. These injured and otherwise non-releasable creatures have since helped founders Aaron and Diana Hiibel educate visitors on the importance of conservation. As of 2025, the Ark homes a range of animals, from fierce tigers to cuddly raccoons. Whether booking a private meet-and-greet or observing the feeding and training periods, your encounter will be unforgettable.

A City Where Outdoor Adventure Knows No Bounds

While certain outdoor attractions in Reno could certainly benefit from more accessibility, the city is constantly seeking new ways to make its facilities accessible for all. This mission extends to the city鈥檚 parks and outdoor spaces, such as the fully accessible playground at Dick Taylor Park. Other accessible outdoor attractions include the Truckee River Whitewater Park at Wingfield Park, which features ramped access points. Additionally, Reno parks like the Oxbow Nature Study Area shine for their wheelchair-accessible boardwalk while the Wilbur D. May Arboretum & Botanical Garden is favored for its paved pathways. While Reno still has progress to make in achieving its goal of universal accessibility, its dedication to inclusivity and appreciation for nature has put the city firmly on the right path.

Final Thoughts

Reno once transformed its reputation from a divorce mill to a glamorous gambling center, but with natural beauty this grand, its reputation might shift again in the near future. While currently underrated and overshadowed by its casinos and resorts, Reno鈥檚 parks, trails, and natural landmarks are slowly being discovered by more and more people. Mainstream popularity has already found attractions like the Hunter Creek Trail and the Great Reno Balloon Race, so it may not be long until this breathtaking city is recognized for more than its casinos. With that said, 2025 is a better time than ever for nature lovers to explore these underrated sights and scenes before the major tourist crowds catch wind of their greatness.