People don't necessarily tend to think of lakes when they think of Nevada. Of course, we have two big ones that everyone knows - Lake Tahoe and Lake Mead - but most of our great state is much drier and more desert-y. You might be surprised to learn that Nevada actually has a bunch of other beautiful lakes too, and it just so happens that a number of them are not far from Reno. Reno itself, though, has no lakes, so if you're from or are visiting Reno, you'll have to hop in the car and take on this Nevada lakes road trip to see them. This road trip is a fun way to celebrate the "great lakes" of Nevada. It'll take you all day - about 8 hours total - to complete, or you can break it up into a 2-day trip. Have a great drive!
You're going to love this Nevada Lakes road trip!
1. Depart Reno
This trip departs from Reno. Be sure to bring some snacks along because there are big stretches of this adventure without many dining options. Still, you'll see so much of this part of the state on it and the journey will absolutely be worth it. These lakes are stunning!
2. Pyramid Lake
The first lake that you'll visit on your adventure is Pyramid Lake. It's about 45 minutes northeast of Reno and it's huge! It's the remaining portion of ancient Lake Lahontan which was an inland sea that once covered most of western Nevada. It's almost 30 miles long and it has a surface area of 188 square miles. It was named for the pyramid-shaped island near its southeastern shore.
3. Lake Tahoe
Next, you'll travel about 90 minutes south to Nevada's most famous lake - Lake Tahoe. This lake is shared with California and it's the largest alpine lake in North America. It's the sixth largest lake by volume in the United States after the five Great Lakes, and it's our nation's deepest lake - at 1,645 feet deep - after Oregon's Crater Lake. This lake is incredibly beautiful and is considered to be one of the most spectacular lakes not only in our country but in the world.
4. Washoe Lake
Unlike Lake Tahoe, Washoe Lake near Carson City is very shallow. Its depth can vary greatly from year to year - but at its deepest, its only 12 feet deep. At times, it even dries up completely; it most recently did so in 2004. You might stop and have a picnic lunch at Washoe Lake State Park on the lake's southeastern shore.
5. Walker Lake
From Washoe Lake, it's a long two hours to your next stop: Walker Lake. This lake is 11 miles long, five miles wide, and is 68 feet deep at its deepest point. This lake is the traditional home of the Walker River Paiute Tribe, but today, it's in danger. It was once a popular recreational lake, but upstream irrigation diversions have threatened this lake immensely. Salt content in the lake is high due to rapid evaporation, and fish no longer can live here as a result. Conservation efforts have helped some, but this lake has a long way to go before it can recover.
6. Carson Lake
Carson Lake, near Fallon, is about an hour north of Walker Lake. This lake and the area surrounding it is a protected area collectively known as the Carson Lake Wildlife Management Area. It's home to salt flats, upland shrub communities, irrigated pastures, wetland meadows, mammals, birds, and fish. This is a lovely place to visit to enjoy the best of what Nevada nature has to offer.
7. Soda Lake
Just 45 minutes to the north of Carson Lake, you'll visit the last lake on our road trip. Soda Lake is actually two lakes; both of these lakes occupy volcano craters left behind when these two adjacent volcanoes erupted around 1500 years ago. For now, these lakes are lakes - but it's possible that these volcanoes may someday erupt again!
8. Return to Reno
After you visit these six lakes, you'll have an hour's drive back to Reno. You'll be able to return in time to enjoy the nightlife in "the biggest little city in the world," which will surely be a lot of fun, but your mind and spirit will probably be back at the lakes, taking in those wonderful views.
This Nevada Lakes road trip is sure to be a really good time, especially if you love nature! Again, people don't really think too much about lakes when Nevada is mentioned, but if the subject ever comes up in conversation, you can now tell your companions all about the beautiful lakes you visited near Reno!
Oh - yeah - and we told you to bring some snacks. If you're wondering what to bring along, check out this list we made for you of the best on-the-go road trip snacks. Driving can take a lot out of you, and we don't want you to go hungry!
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