TRAVEL

Photo story: finding adventure in Reno Tahoe

Follow National Geographic photographer Sofia Jaramillo as she journeys through the region's distinctive landscapes, from the tree-lined shores of Lake Tahoe to Reno's vibrant river corridor to the sweeping expanse of the high desert.

Photographs bySofia Jaramillo

Published May 28, 2026

Nevada's Reno‑Tahoe region is shaped by motion. Alpine waters glisten under changing light, clouds drift across foothills at the city's edge, and a massive "singing dune" hums as sands shift.

Guided by a love of adventure and wild places, National Geographic photographer Sofia Jaramillo recently ventured to this corner of the Mountain West to capture the rhythms of its captivating and ever‑evolving terrain.

Paddleboarder on Lake Tahoe — A paddleboarder glides over the calm waters of North Lake Tahoe near Incline Village, Nevada. About an hour’s drive west of Reno, Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in North America and draws outdoor enthusiasts with its clear blue waters, tree-lined shores, and scenic hiking trails.

Tahoe’s mesmerizing palette shifts from dark blues to bright turquoise hues, depending on the time of day, light intensity, and water depth. At left, smooth granite boulders, shaped over thousands of years by tectonic forces and glacial activity, are visible beneath the surface. These boulders are emblematic of the lake’s Eastern Shore.

Chimney Beach, named for the stone chimney that remains from a 1930s cabin, is a popular spot for swimming and picnicking. Ponderosa pines offer welcome shade on bright summer days.

Lake Tahoe swimmer — Chimney Beach, named for the stone chimney that remains from a 1930s cabin, is a popular spot for swimming and picnicking. Ponderosa pines offer welcome shade on bright summer days.

Lake Tahoe hiker — Trails near Incline Village along the Eastern Shore offer sweeping views over the lake.

Reno City View — Flowing east via the Truckee River, Lake Tahoe’s waters reach Reno. Set within a vibrant corridor of parks and riverfront spaces, the city blends urban energy with a strong outdoor culture.

Walker in Idlewild Park — Idlewild Park is one of Reno’s most notable urban green spaces. Spanning 49 acres just west of downtown, it connects directly to the Truckee River Path, a multi‑use trail. The park features two duck ponds and a rose garden that blooms from June through September.

Mountain biker in Reno foothills — The hills and meadows surrounding Reno are crisscrossed by trails. On any given day, hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders can be found exploring the valley.

Wildflowers in Reno foothills — The hills and meadows surrounding Reno are crisscrossed by trails. On any given day, hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders can be found exploring the valley.

Reno mountain biker — Popular mountain‑biking areas include Rancho San Rafael Regional Park, located just a five-minute drive from downtown. The park links to several trail systems, including the extensive Peavine Mountain network.

Nevada desert road trip — Driving east from Reno along U.S. Highway 50, the river valley gives way to sprawling desert flats dotted with sagebrush.

Driving east from Reno along U.S. Highway 50, the river valley gives way to sprawling desert flats dotted with sagebrush.

Sand Mountain Recreation Area — The 600-foot-tall dune stretches about 3.5 miles long and a mile wide. It formed approximately 9,000 years ago when the Ice Age Lake Lahontan dried up.

Sandboarder at Sand Mountain — Sand Mountain is known to "sing." When footsteps or strong winds cause millions of its sand particles to shift in unison, it generates a deep, resonant humming sound.

Off-roading at Sand Mountain — Sand Mountain is a designated Off‑Highway Vehicle (OHV) recreation area. In addition to off‑roading on the dunes, visitors can explore 23 miles of trails. Rentals are available in nearby Fallon.

Reno high desert — North of Reno, clouds part to reveal a glowing desert sunset in the wake of a passing rainstorm. Sights like this are what draw travelers to the Reno‑Tahoe region time and again: big skies, wide open spaces, ever-changing light, and the kind of moments you can’t script.

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