The trip from Reno, Nevada, to San Francisco, California, can be a quick one, taking from about 5 to 6 hours depending on traffic and weather. Along the way there are numerous opportunities to take a break from the car and get in some quality outdoors activity. Try these side trips for leisurely excursions or a strenuous hikes at high altitude.
Hike the Pacific Crest
As you cross the Sierra Nevada Mountains on the start of your trip from Nevada into California, you will be passing the Pacific Crest Trail. The PCT runs all the way from British Columbia in Canada through Washington, Oregon and the length of the state of California. The most accessible section on a trip from Reno to San Francisco is at the Donner Pass.
You can take an easy 2- to 3-mile hike there, or if you are a more experienced hiker, up to a 15 miles of a more strenuous mountain hike with extraordinary vistas of the crest of the Sierras. The Sierra crest is often impassible in winter, and hikers of any skill level should only tackle it in full daylight. Make sure to get a map from The Pacific Crest Trail Association regardless of the type of hike you want to take.
Auburn State Recreation Area
Farther along on your trip, in the Sierra Foothills, you can find the Auburn State Recreation area. Auburn SRA is a 40-mile-long state park in the former gold mining areas of the Sierra Foothills. In Auburn SRA you can swim, hike, mountain bike, go horseback riding, plan a picnic or ride your all-terrain vehicle.
The Foothills have more accommodating paths for inexperienced hikers or for large groups with different levels of hiking experience. The park is a few miles south of Interstate 80, the main route between Reno and San Francisco.
Cycle in Davis
The city of Davis, California, is home to one of the main campuses of the University of California. Davis is known as one of the most accessible cities in the country for bicyclists and is home to the Bicyclist Hall of Fame. The city offers visitors maps.
Try the Davis Bike Loop through the university campus and the surrounding countryside. Davis is roughly the halfway point on your trip from Reno to the Bay Area.
Mare Island
Don't let the name fool you, you don't need to take a boat to get there. Mare Island is a peninsula located in Vallejo and is accessible off of I-80 via the Mare Island Causeway.
On the peninsula you can take in beautiful views of the San Pablo Bay, which is the northern end of the San Francisco Bay. Mare Island is a historical area with shops, a naval ship yard museums and a golf course with incredible views of the bay and the surrounding hills. On clear days you can see Napa wine country across the bay.
The Berkeley Hills
Just before you cross over the Bay Bridge to San Francisco, you have one more chance for a great outdoor experience. Above the the city of Berkeley you will find Tilden Park, which features more than 2,000 acres of recreation space.
You can cycle, walk, run, hike, swim or take in some of the attractions the park offers, such as the botanical gardens and a carousel. The park is easy to get to off of I-80 through the city of Berkeley. Make sure to check out the great views of San Francisco and the bay. Check with the park association for maps and times when attractions are open.
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