Outdoor Activities   

Long distance hikers explore our local mountains. Please visit the website to find hike descriptions, suggested equipment, and hike sign-up pages. Meeting times and places will vary. The number of hikers may be limited, especially for hikes that require a permit. If there is a limit, it will be noted in the hike description. The theme for the Long Distance Hikers this season will be “A Peak Experience”. Snowmelt permitting, in addition to the regular weekly hike, we will ascend some of the more interesting peaks in the area that are new to OLLI Outdoors. Some hikes will have difficult and strenuous sections with significant elevation changes. Occasional scrambling to the peaks may be needed, but ropes or helmets won’t be required. The pace will be consistent but not punishing. Most hikes will take from 5-8 hours and the trailheads may be a significant distance from Reno.

Light Hikers will explore trails and paths in the Truckee Meadows and surrounding areas. Light Hikes are usually 3 to 5 miles in total length with some elevation change. Events will take from 2 to 3 hours to complete. Meeting times and places will vary, so please check ollireno.com/outdoor weekly for specific dates.

This class for bike riders who are interested in longer, more challenging distances and rides around the Truckee Meadows and the Lake Tahoe areas. Rides will be about 20-30 miles, mostly on paved roads. Start times are early to avoid the heat. Please visit the Cycling portion of the OLLI Outdoor Website at ollireno.com/outdoor for required and suggested equipment and necessary preparation. At a minimum you are required to wear a helmet, and will not be allowed to participate without one.

OLLI Walkers will traverse paved paths and groomed natural surface trails in Reno, Sparks, and surrounding areas on Wednesday mornings. Exact meeting times and places vary. The location will be posted online by the Monday before the Wednesday of the planned walk. Please check ollireno.com/outdoor for specific information.

Walks are approximately 2-3 miles in length, with some small elevation changes. They usually take less than 2 hours to complete with the pace accommodating slower walkers.

Hikers explore the Reno, Sparks, Lake Tahoe, and Sierra area by trails, paths, and roads. Meeting times and places will vary. Most hikes are 6-12 miles in total length and moderately difficult with elevation changes. Hikes will take 2-6 hours, depending on distance and difficulty. Late spring and early summer hikes may require driving a longer distance to allow members to enjoy our local mountains, and the pace may quicken because of the longer distances, both driving and on the trail. For the most up-to-date information, visit ollireno.com/outdoor every week before the Thursday hike.

Have Kayak - Will Travel! Kayakers will adventure out to areas further away, such as Sierra lakes, Graeagle, and South and West Lake Tahoe launches. Some events may include an opportunity for a 2-day (Wednesday-Thursday) kayak. Kayakers will spend 3-6 hours on the water. Each event will be rated for difficulty level based on the speed of paddling needed and the length of time on the water. Participants must provide their own kayak or canoe, paddles, Personal Flotation Devices, and other safety equipment. Please visit ollireno.com/outdoor for specific dates, locations, and other important information.

Moderate hikers will hike 6-8 miles on dirt and paved trails with moderate elevation gains. The elevation gains on the longer distances will approach but not generally exceed 1,500 feet. The hikes will be located in the Reno, Sparks, Carson, and Lake Tahoe areas,and will take 3-5 hours in length. Meeting times and locations will be posted on the OLLI Outdoor website. Driving distances will vary, with ridesharing when appropriate. Hikers should be in good physical condition with previous hiking experience, and have the ability to hike 2 mph uphill and 2.5 mph. Please visit the website to find complete hiking descriptions, suggested equipment, and the hike sign-up pages.

Kayakers will head for flat water: Sparks Marina, Donner Lake, various Lake Tahoe areas and other nearby lakes and reservoirs, depending on water availability. Canoes are welcome. Kayakers will spend 2-4 hours on the water. Participants must provide their own kayak or canoe, paddles, Personal Flotation Devices and other safety equipment. Please visit ollireno.com/outdoor for specific dates, locations and other important information.

Enjoy riding along established bike paths in the early morning hours when the temperature in Reno is still cool. Rides may be in Reno, Sparks, Washoe Valley, or the Lake Tahoe Basin. Minimal street riding. Rides are usually 10-18 miles in length and typically take 2-3 hours. For complete, up to date information on the locations, times, equipment, and preparation necessary to participate, please visit the cycling portion of our website: ollireno.com/outdoor. At a minimum you are required to wear a helmet, and will not be allowed to participate without one.