Editors’ Picks
Best historic hike
Jumbo Grade
In Comstock days, ore was brought over Mount Davidson, down the Jumbo Grade, across a bridge over Washoe Lake to the Ophir Mill (that ruin alongside U.S. 395). There was also a mining camp, Jumbo, on the grade in the early 20th century. Jumbo Grade is still there, and a nifty hike. It’s a 10-miler, with year-round mixed use including hiking/running, mountain biking, pack and saddle, motorcycling, and ATVs. It’s not the hardest trail in the area, just about 950 elevation from the bottom to the top, but if it’s too tough, you can always head over to the Best Place to Drink with your Mom. For details, go to www.nvtrailmaps.com/trail.php?trail=829
Best trail ride
Verdi Trails West
Verdi Trails West is maybe 10 minutes from Reno, and it straddles the state line. With around 3,000 deeded acres of U.S. Forest Service land and friendly staff who’ll put up with the clumsiest of rhinestone cowboys, this place is a nice go-to for horseback riding, especially if you’ve got visitors in town who are looking for a Western-y experience. Everyone from pro riders to wide-eyed tourists in pretty sandals and 10-gallon hats can be spotted here, and all are made to feel welcome. Lee Lizotte is the contact, at 345-7600.
Readers’ Picks
Best spot to smooch under the stars
1. Windy Hill
2. Lake Tahoe
3. Mount Rose
Best spot to run around naked
1. Burning Man
2. Lake Tahoe
3. Moonlite BunnyRanch
69 Moonlight Road, Mound House, 246-9901
Best spot to hike
1. Mount Rose
2. Lake Tahoe
3. Tahoe Rim Trail
Best snowboarding
1. Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe
22222 Mt. Rose Highway, 849-0704
2. Northstar California Resort
5001 Northstar Drive, Truckee, Calif., (800) 466-6784
3. Squaw Valley Resort
1960 Squaw Valley Road, Squaw Valley, Calif., (800) 403-0206
Best ski resort
1. Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe
22222 Mt. Rose Highway, 849-0704
2. Northstar California Resort
5001 Northstar Drive, Truckee, Calif., (800) 466-6784
3. Squaw Valley Resort
1960 Squaw Valley Road, Squaw Valley, Calif., (800) 403-0206
Best skiing
1. Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe
22222 Mt. Rose Highway, 849-0704
2. Squaw Valley Resort
1960 Squaw Valley Road, Squaw Valley, Calif., (800) 403-0206
2. Northstar California Resort
5001 Northstar Drive, Truckee, Calif., (800) 466-6784
Best place to swim
1. Lake Tahoe
2. Truckee River
2. Idlewild Park
1900 Idlewild Drive
Best place to ride a personal watercraft
1. Lake Tahoe
2. Pyramid Lake
3. Boca Reservoir
3. Truckee River
Best picnic spot
1. Rancho San Rafael Regional Park
2595 N. Sierra St.
2. Lake Tahoe
3. Idlewild Park
1900 Idlewild Drive
3. Pignic Pub & Patio
235 Flint St., 376-1948
Best local hot springs
1. David Walley’s Hot Springs Resort and Spa
2001 Foothill Road, Genoa, 782-8155
2. Sierra Hot Springs
521 Campbell Hot Springs Road, Sierraville, Calif., (530) 994-3773
3. Steamboat Hot Springs
16010 S. Virginia St., 853-6600
Best golf course
1. Thunder Canyon Country Club
19 Lightning W Ranch Road, Washoe Valley, 882-0882
2. Red Hawk Golf and Resort
6295 Wingfield Springs Road, Sparks, 626-6000
3. Lakeridge Golf Course
1218 Golf Club Drive, 825-2200