5 Reno Adventures We're Squeezing Into the Rest of Summer

Summer's only started and yet I'm already getting that lingering sense of urgency that summer is quickly slipping away. Somehow I checked my calendar of obligations and realized our weekends are just about planned out through September.

But I'm fighting that feeling of overwhelm and trying to be intentional about soaking up the sun this summer, despite a full load of work shifts and pre-planned trips. Here are five activities we're stenciling in time for on our Reno Summer To-Do List!

1. Check Out Reno's Newest Hiking Trails

We all have our classic go-to trails, especially in summer when we're trying to avoid the heat (Galena Creek Regional Park for the win!). But if you're an early riser or down for an evening run, we've been loving the new Belli Front Trail, just across the Steamboat Ditch above the Tom Cooke Trail. It offers another great option to get out in the mountains without committing to an all-day adventure, and the views don't disappoint. It's a reminder that Reno's local trail systems just keeps getting better every year.

Of course, we still love the classics like the 5-mile trek out to Galena Falls (the halfway point to the Mt. Rose summit) when we're craving a waterfall or an after-work hike, but discovering new trails always makes our own backyard feel a little bigger.

2. Ride Sky Tavern's Mountain Bike Shuttle

This is probably the activity I'm most excited about this summer, despite not being able to take advantage of it right now because of a shoulder injury...

Sky Tavern's new mountain bike shuttle program is such an rad addition for both newer and expert local riders. Instead of grinding out long climbs, the shuttle gets you to the top quickly so you can spend more time sessioning and dialing in those rock rolls and berms... kind of like the perks of an e-bike for a fraction of the cost: A month membership is just $100/month and help support the non-profit run park.

Squeeze in a few laps after work. It's an awesome way to beat the heat in the valley and experience some of Reno's best mountain biking. Sky Tavern also offers loads of clinics and events all summer long - a great way to get involved in the biking community or hone some new skills.

3. Pack a Picnic (No Special Occasion Required)

Some of our favorite summer memories end up being the simplest ones: evenings at Boca or lounging in the grass at Idlewild Park under a cool canopy of trees.

Grab takeout from your favorite local spot, pick up subs or sushi from Sprouts, or make a quick quesadilla.

Throw a blanket or some camp chairs in the trunk and head to a park. On evenings when you can tell the clouds are going to put on a show, our go-to spot is University Ridge Park. It's hard to beat for sunset views of the Truckee Meadows (and bonus if you've got kiddos—it has a playground). Pack dinner, bring a deck of cards or a hacky sack, and stick around for sunset. Watching the sun dip behind the Sierra with the city below is one of those Reno moments that never gets old.

Sometimes the ordinary Tuesday picnic ends up being everyone's favorite part of a busy week.

4. Spend an Afternoon at Lake Tahoe

Living less than an hour from Lake Tahoe is something I never want to take for granted, but sometimes the crowds make it hard to motivate ourselves to head up there... I get summer grouchy about people enjoying the things I want to enjoy. I know. I know.

Our pro tip for summer: the 3:30 p.m. Reno departure. That gets you to the lake before 5 p.m., just as the sunburned morning crowd starts heading home and parking lots begin to empty. Whether it's a quick hike up to Eagle Lake in South Lake or a late afternoon dip at Sand Harbor after the morning reservation system ends, there's still plenty of time to enjoy a lake day before the sun goes down.

5. Soak Up Reno's Infinite List of Summer Events

Summer in Reno always feels a little more alive thanks to all the events happening around town.

Filling the July calendar with free Artown events is one of our favorite annual traditions. There are performances, concerts (I heard Smash Mouth is playing), art exhibits, and family-friendly events happening all month long, and it's a fun excuse to explore different parts of the city.

We're also hoping to catch another Reno Aces game... the new playground is a dope addition!

And of course, you already know we can't resist a good thrift find. The Reno Antique Faire is always on our list for scoring records and fun furniture. If we're downtown on a Sunday morning, you'll probably also find us wandering the Riverside Farmers Market for seasonal fruit, local makers, live music, and the kids' area. Bonus points if you turn it into a bike ride, the Truckee Meadows Bicycle Alliance bike valet makes it easy to skip parking and keeps your bike secure while you hang out AND Nolan of Velocity has been posting up with complimentary bike inspections/light repairs!

Don't give in to the overwhelm...

A reminder that summer doesn't have to be packed with elaborate vacations and alpine starts to be memorable. As "outdoorsy" people, there can be this pressure to always be on "epics"... but our lives aren't meant to be lived on blast for social media. You can spend a chill evening grilling in the backyard, invite some friends over, and enjoy a drippy popsicle. It's okay to rest.

Sometimes it's just making a small list of the "normal" town things; not a massive hiking list or a multi-day adventure. It's taking advantage of our beautiful backyard, checking out local events, and making the most of Reno's sunsets and long summer evenings.

So if your calendar is looking anything like ours, here's your reminder (and mine): leave a little room for the local adventures. Reno has plenty left to offer up before summer slips away.