The micro movement is having its moment as Nevadans seek small nature adventures without the hassle of an expensive getaway.
Not all Nevada adventures have to be a major undertaking. Some can be a micro-undertaking.
Coined by British travel writer and author Alastair Humphreys, the term microadventure refers to an outdoor activity that’s easy yet still a rewarding and fun change of pace. It’s a realistic escape that’s cheap or free and accessible to people with somewhat limited outdoor experience.
Nevada microadventures can be destination dupes, like a quick half-day trip to Red Rock Canyon instead of an expensive weekend trip to Red Rocks in Sedona, Arizona. They’re natural escapes in the middle of town or a short drive away.
From lakeside hiking and biking to peeping leaves and birdwatching in the middle of the city, check out these 10 Nevada microadventures, or come up with your own.
Bike a section of the Tahoe-Pyramid Trail
Take your family on a bike ride along a paved section of the 114-mile Tahoe-Pyramid Trail. Take your family on a bike ride along the Reno section of the 114-mile Tahoe-Pyramid Trail. From Verdi, the mostly paved path follows the Truckee River through downtown Reno to Sparks, about 20 miles in all. Ride as much or as little as you like. The multi-use section suits all ages, but kids should be comfortable riding alongside traffic if they continue with the trail from here, or consider other bike trail options near home.
Hike up a creek for fall color
Take in the vibrant fall color and snap photos before it’s too late on a leaf-peeping microadventure at Thomas Creek or Galena Creek. Both south Reno aspen-lined trails are highly recommended by Travel Nevada, and you don’t have to be an avid hiker to enjoy them. For an easy-to-moderate forest hike, try the 4.7-mile Galena Creek out-and-back trail, or peep leaves while following the aspen-lined Thomas Creek Trail as far as you like. The lower section is about 5.5 miles out and back, and strong hikers who go all the way to the top get a peek at the majestic Lake Tahoe.
Immerse yourself in nature near home
Get your kids out from behind a screen and into nature without leaving town at the 22-acre Oxbow Nature Study Area near downtown Reno (3100 Dickerson Rd.). This convenient urban nature stop has year-round bathrooms and a short nature trail for hiking, picnicking, and wildlife spotting. Leave the hustle and bustle of the Biggest Little City behind as you wind your way past ponds, wetlands, trees, brush, and the Truckee River—and be home in time for dinner.
Gaze at the stars from a historic Nevada park
Spend the night at Fort Churchill State Historic Park, about an hour east of Carson City, 75 minutes from Reno. The former United States Army fort is in ruins, but the stars shine bright among the remnants of this 1800s pioneer stop along the Carson River. The park is open year-round and is well equipped for campers, with 20 individual riverside campsites, two reservations-only group campsites, and a large, dispersed camping area. Park entrance is $5 for Nevada residents.
Ride a rapid on the Truckee River
You don’t have to be an experienced kayaker, canoer, tuber, or rafter to play in the waters of the Truckee River Whitewater Park. Conveniently located along the pedestrian-friendly Riverwalk at Wingfield Park in downtown Reno, the half-mile, intermediate- and beginner-friendly stretch of the Truckee River runs downstream, with entrances at the Downtown Plaza near First Street and Wingfield Park. Access to the whitewater park is free, but watercraft rentals from Sierra Adventures and other Reno providers will cost you.
Hike the Railroad Tunnel
Fall is a fabulous time to step back in time to the creation of the Hoover Dam by hiking the Historic Railroad Tunnel Trail in Boulder City. This meandering path, with five wide tunnels, served as a railroad route for supplies and equipment during the dam’s massive construction. Today it’s a scenic 3.8-mile round-trip hike that’s easy, well-maintained, family-friendly, and dog-friendly. Bathrooms are available at the trailhead, and garbage cans are dispersed along the trail. They won’t block your panoramic views of Lake Mead and Boulder Basin. The out-and-back takes about 1 to 3 hours. Entry to the Lake Mead National Recreation Area costs $25 per vehicle.
Ride in a forested bike park
Mount Charleston, the highest mountain in the roughly 316,000-acre Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, is less than an hour from the Las Vegas Strip. In addition to hiking, camping, horseback riding, rock climbing, and skiing, one of the mountain’s newer draws is its mountain bike park, a growing network of downhill bike trails with lift service, a pro shop, and bike rentals. The Lee Canyon bike park has five trails for all skill levels, including beginner-friendly options. You can buy a day pass or an all-inclusive package, including guided exploration of easy trails for children.
Drive a scenic byway
Enjoy the natural beauty of the Mojave Desert without ever leaving the car on the 13-mile Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive, which loops around the park past dramatic red, orange, and cream sandstone. If you’re feeling adventurous, stop at a trailhead or lookout along the way to hike, rock climb, ride horses, or have a picnic. Stop by the Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center to learn more about Red Rock Canyon. Be sure to make a timed-entry vehicle reservation at Recreation.gov.
Strike gold with hot springs
This one is only for strong hikers who can handle a strenuous journey and some scrambling. If that sounds like you, Gold Strike Canyon Trail rewards you with natural hot springs and stunning views of the Colorado River. The hike to the hot springs is a 5.3-mile round-trip through a slippery canyon with alternating wide and narrow sections, hot pools, grottos, waterfalls, and a 600-foot descent. To get there, park off Goldstrike Road, near the Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge.
Expect to use fixed ropes, and test them before trusting your weight to one. Also, it’s not recommended to put your head underwater in the springs, as they can carry a rare but dangerous amoeba. The route is not maintained or recommended for pets, and it closes each year from May 15 to Sept. 30 due to heat.
Count ducks and birds at the park
Sunset Park (2601 E. Sunset Rd.) is a massive oasis in southeast Las Vegas with a fishing lake, sports courts, walking trails, a dog park, and shaded picnic areas. Kids will love the waterfowl that abound on and around the 14-acre Sunset Pond, including floating ducks and bossy geese. Many migratory birds also make the pond their fall home. When you’ve had your fill of feathered friends, stop by the park’s Nature Discovery Area for play equipment, or head to the Dune Discovery Area to follow a colorful trail and maybe even spot more birds.
