Local's Summer: Truckee Day Trip Itinerary

Every Reno local has said it at least once: “We should do a Truckee day.”   Usually sometime in July, scrolling past a Truckee Thursday's post on Instagram, and then it's usually followed by… nothing. Life gets busy, weekends fill up, and suddenly it’s September and you realize you never made it happen.

But we're officially entering locals summer; that magical window after the tourists leave and the mornings get a smidge crisper. It's the perfect time to finally follow through. Less traffic (outside of the unavoidable roadwork), no chaos, no fighting for a spot at the lake. Just a simple, stress free but still adventure filled day up the hill

Start Slow: Obv Coffee Stop

Every good trip up to Truckee day clearly starts with coffee before the drive... that's how you avoid the chaos of the early morning commuters.

We meet friends for carpool at Chrome, Midnight or Coffeebar to grab pastries and hot caffeine. There's no rush, soak in the morning and sip it on the patio.

The Stress-free Highlight: Tahoe Via

Once the sun warmed things up, head up the hill for a stress free day of climbing on the Tahoe Via. Yes. We love a Donner summit rock climbing adventure, but it's nice to cruise around an iron playground on the side of Tram wall with a guide, not having to haul a pack full of gear, ropes, etc... and you get an epic shuttle ride up to the start (hello no bushwacking, route finding approach).

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Alpenglow offers 2‑, 3‑, and 4‑hour tour options, all based on time, not difficulty. So you can pick whatever fits into your version of a Truckee day. All you need to bring: closed‑toe shoes, a windbreaker (maybe?), a water bottle and light snack... aka the typical daypack you can pack in your sleep. The Tahoe Via team provides helmets, gloves, harnesses, and their simple, failproof connection system.

The Via is beginner‑friendly and scenic, especially perfect if you're bringing along out-of-town family or kids that might not have technical climbing skills, but still want that time on rock while visiting Tahoe. It's also a great option for corporate team building (ahem ahem, our favorite one of the year) or birthday adventure plans. Pro Tip: We get that it is a little pricey; BUT it's a good time, your guides are fantastic and there has been a butt-ton of work put into designing the Via... BUT if you're looking for a deal, the Tahoe Via typically hosts a "locals day" once a year in the spring. Follow them on socials to stay up to date on when you can apply for this budget friendly opportunity! Other ways to save; book during off peak days (Mon - Thurs).

Reward: Lakeside Ice Cream

After trippity trapping around on rock like billy goats all afternoon, drive over to Donner Lake to hit up Little Truckee Ice Creamery, because we all need some creamy coned goodness (or more caffeine with my newfound favorite, the affogato) .

Pre Drive Dip: Donner Lake Dock Life

And then… the grand finale to close out the day. Donner Lake at golden hour, after the sunburnt abandon their docks.

Jump in, airdrop your photos from the day. Make plans for next weekend. Sit in silence. Contemplate quitting your corporate job to become a Alpenglow Guide before packing up to head back down the hill to Reno. As always, the hugest shoutout to the crew a Alpenglow and Tahoe Via for getting Gear Hut out for a solid day of Type I fun and team bonding.