Why Reno Is the Perfect Nevada Road Trip Anchor
Nevada is built for road trips, wide open landscapes, unexpected towns, desert art, alpine lakes, and iconic highways. And right in the middle of it all is Reno.
With easy access to Northern California, Lake Tahoe, and some of Nevada’s most unique destinations, Reno makes the ideal home base for exploring the region, without having to pack and unpack at every stop.
Start in Reno: Stay Somewhere That Sets the Tone
Before you hit the road, where you stay matters.
Choosing a Reno boutique hotel in a walkable neighborhood like Midtown gives you the chance to ease into your trip with good coffee, local food, and a relaxed atmosphere before the miles begin.
At Best Bet Motor Lodge, you can:
- Settle into a design-forward, retro-inspired space.
- Walk to Midtown’s best bars, shops, and restaurants.
- Reset with a sauna + cold plunge before or after long drives.
- Enjoy easy parking and access in and out of the city.
It’s the kind of place that feels like a home base, not just a stopover.
Road Trip Route #1: Reno → Lake Tahoe → Truckee
Drive Time: ~45 minutes to 1 hour
A must-do for any Nevada itinerary.
- Start with coffee in Midtown Reno.
- Head up to Lake Tahoe for hiking, beaches, or skiing (seasonal)
- Stop in Truckee for lunch or a stroll through historic downtown.
Perfect for a half-day or full-day trip
Road Trip Route #2: Reno → Virginia City → Dayton
Drive Time: ~45 minutes
Step into Nevada’s Wild West history.
- Explore Virginia City’s historic saloons and boardwalks.
- Visit local shops and museums.
- Loop through Dayton for a scenic return.
Great for history lovers + quick adventures
Road Trip Route #3: Reno → Pyramid Lake
Drive Time: ~40 minutes
One of Nevada’s most surreal landscapes.
- Dramatic desert lake views
- Unique rock formations like Stone Mother
- Quiet, expansive scenery
Ideal for photography + unplugging
Road Trip Route #4: Reno → Black Rock Desert (BurningMan Site)
Drive Time: ~2 hours
Even outside of Burning Man, this is worth the trip.
- Explore the vast playa.
- Experience Nevada’s iconic open desert.
- Stop in Gerlach along the way.
Best for adventurous travelers
Road Trip Route #5: Reno → Graeagle + Lost Sierra
Drive Time: ~1.5 hours
A hidden gem just over the California border.
- Pine forests, rivers, and mountain air
- Golf, hiking, and small-town charm
- Slower pace, big scenery
Perfect for a peaceful reset
Road Trip Route #6: Reno → Highway 50 (The Loneliest Road in America and Ghost Towns)
Drive Time: Flexible (best as a full-day or overnight trip)
If you’re looking for a road trip that feels cinematic, quiet, and uniquely Nevada—this is it.
Stretching across the state, Highway 50, known as “The Loneliest Road in America,” offers wide-open desert, mountain passes, and some of the most fascinating ghost towns in the West.
Starting from Reno, you can head south toward Fallon and pick up Highway 50 for an unforgettable journey through Nevada’s history and landscape.
Must-See Stops Along Highway 50
Fallon – The Gateway
About an hour from Reno, Fallon is your launch point.
- Fuel up, grab snacks, and ease into the slower pace.
- Known as the “Oasis of Nevada”
Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park
One of the most unique stops in Nevada.
- Preserved ghost town buildings from the mining era
- Home to ancient ichthyosaur fossils (Nevada’s state fossil)
- A mix of Wild West history and prehistoric discovery
Austin, Nevada
A true living ghost town perched in the mountains.
- Historic buildings, quiet streets, and sweeping views
- Perfect midpoint stop to stretch, explore, and take it all in
Endless Basin & Range Scenery
The real magic of Highway 50 is the in-between.
- Long stretches of open road
- Mountain ranges rising unexpectedly from the desert.
- That feeling of being completely off-grid
Reset Between Drives: Back to Reno
One of the biggest advantages of using Reno as your base is coming back to comfort after a day of exploring.
At Best Bet Motor Lodge, you can:
- Unwind in the sauna + cold plunge showers.
- Relax by the fire pit.
- Walk to dinner or drinks in Midtown Reno.
- Recharge for the next day’s drive.
Build Your Nevada Road Trip Around Experience
Nevada isn’t just about the destination, it’s about the journey between them. And having a consistent, comfortable home base makes the entire trip smoother, more relaxed, and more memorable.
Book Your Reno Home Base
Planning a Nevada road trip? Stay somewhere that feels like part of the experience. Book your stay at Best Bet Motor Lodge, it’s your home base for exploring Reno, Tahoe, and beyond.
