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fatcat07

posts: 208

Best driving route - Reno airport to South Lake Tahoe

Nov 02, 2011, 4:38 PM

Hello all,

I'm getting excited the lake tahoe trip is right around the corner (5 days away) ;-)

So my question; I will be arrive around 03:30 pm after picking-up car and luggage, I figure we will be on the rode by 04:30 -05:00 pm. Which would be the best route to take to South Lake Tahoe for a 1st time visitor ?

Also, should I consider exploring Reno that day before heading to Lake Tahoe ? or does Reno deserve a full day ?

Thanks

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6 replies to this topic

CaSwede

Near Yosemite...

posts: 2,579

reviews: 4

1. Re: Best driving route - Reno airport to South Lake Tahoe

Nov 02, 2011, 4:59 PM

The usual, quickest route from the Reno airport to South Lake Tahoe is to take 395 south to Hwy 50 at Carson City to S.L.T. A more scenic route would be to take 395 south to Mt. Rose hwy (431) and then south on 20 and merge to Hwy 50.

I was going to recommend you take a side trip to Virginia City, but if you are on the road at 4:30 PM, you don't have much daylight left to take side trips. I am not sure what you have in mind to see in Reno, but you certainly have very little time if you are trying to get to Lake Tahoe.

You might have time to check out some of Carson City as that is on the way.

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fatcat07

posts: 208

2. Re: Best driving route - Reno airport to South Lake Tahoe

Nov 02, 2011, 5:14 PM

Thanks for the reply ........

I think I will take the scenic route, you do mean "Mt. Rose hwy (431) and then south on 28 not 20"

Also, I want to visit the "Reno sign" and some of the Reno/Sparks casinos. Not necessarily to gamble (might throw a $20 in a slot machine ;-) but to have a drink and check out bar/lounges.

From the pictures I have seen online, "The Peppermill" casino is definitively a site with all the neon.

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CaSwede

Near Yosemite...

posts: 2,579

reviews: 4

3. Re: Best driving route - Reno airport to South Lake Tahoe

Nov 02, 2011, 5:26 PM

Yes- hwy 28. No need to take the scenic route if you are driving in the dark. Sunset this time of the year is close to 6 PM, so you probably will have to decide what is more important.

Have a great trip.

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vegastaco

vegas

posts: 2,906

reviews: 3

4. Re: Best driving route - Reno airport to South Lake Tahoe

Nov 02, 2011, 6:00 PM

enjoy tahoe! remember the clocks change sunday so it will get dark a hour earlier

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fatcat07

posts: 208

5. Re: Best driving route - Reno airport to South Lake Tahoe

Nov 03, 2011, 9:46 AM

Thanks for all the replys ,,,,,,

So rethinking my plan I will just take the quickest route to S.L.T , take a day to go sight seeing around lake tahoe and another night to explore Reno ....

I have been checking the weather reports and know that it is snowing in CO. any word on Lake Tahoe ... any snow predicted for the weekend of 11/11 - 11/13 ....

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