Editors’ choices
Best hiking trail
Jumbo Grade
During the Comstock boom, ore was taken over the mountain, down a grade into Washoe Valley, and across a bridge over Washoe Lake to the Ophir Mill. As it happened, they were hauling it past another source of ore, which was discovered in the mid-1930s and set off the Jumbo boom. The Jumbo Grade is still there, and one of the best hiking experiences in the area. It’s easy to find—there’s a street sign in New Washoe City marked Jumbo Grade.
Best place to swim
Idlewild Pool
No disrespect to the perennial favorite of this category, Lake Tahoe, but swimming in that lake ain’t easy lately. Yes, its pristine blue waters are—aside from absolutely frigid most of the year—full to the brim, but so are its parking lots. And, yes, lounging on the beach is a rare treat in the desert, but if you want to actually swim, look a little closer to home. The pool at Idlewild Park, 1805 Idlewild Drive, has helped Renoites beat the heat since 1937. With an Olympic-sized lap pool, one-meter springboard, dedicated kiddy pool and ADA access ramp, Idlewild can accommodate swimmers of every age and skill level. Prices are nominal, seating is plentiful, and there’s a lifeguard to make sure everyone stays safe. Take that, Tessie.
Readers’ choices
Best bicycle-ride destination
1. Lake Tahoe
2. Truckee River Bike Trail
3. Mayberry Park
Best golf course
1. Montreux Golf & Country Club
18077 Bordeaux Drive, 849-1090
2. Lakeridge Golf Course
1218 Golf Club Drive, 825-2200
3. Red Hawk Golf and Resort
6600 N. Wingfield Parkway, Sparks, 626-6000
Best hiking trail
1. Hunter Creek Trail
2. Tahoe Rim Trail
3. Galena Creek Trail
Best local hot springs
1. David Walley’s Hot Springs Resort and Spa
2001 Foothill Road, Genoa, 782-8155
2. Carson Hot Springs Resort
1500 Old Hot Springs Road, Carson City, 885-8844
3. Sierra Hot Springs
521 Campbell Hot Springs Road, Sierraville, California, (530) 994-3773
Best picnic spot
1. Idlewild Park
2. Rancho San Rafael Regional Park
3. Mayberry Park
Best place to swim
1. Lake Tahoe
2. Donner Lake
3. The Pool
Grand Sierra Resort, 2500 E. Second St., 789-2000
Best ski resort
1. Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe
22222 Mt. Rose Highway, 849-0704
2. Squaw Valley Resort
1960 Squaw Valley Road, Olympic Valley, California, (800) 403-0206
3. Northstar California Resort
5001 Northstar Drive, Truckee, California, (800) 466-6784
Best snowboarding
1. Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe
22222 Mt. Rose Highway, 849-0704
2. Northstar California Resort
5001 Northstar Drive, Truckee, California, (800) 466-6784
3. Squaw Valley Resort
1960 Squaw Valley Road, Olympic Valley, California, (800) 403-0206