Explore Washoe

Northern Nevada is rich with premier outdoor destinations like Mt. Rose Wilderness, Lake Tahoe, and the Black Rock Desert that provide northern Nevadans places to recreate, enjoy solitude, and experience the adventures that await where the pavement ends. The Washoe County public lands proposal would enhance the high quality of life that we enjoy in this region, extend key wildlife corridors in the County, and provide new recreational opportunities.

Discover some of the top-notch protected public lands Washoe County has to offer and learn more how our Washoe County public lands bill can expand outdoor recreational opportunities in the area.

Black Rock Desert

Just two hours from the city lights of Reno lies the Black Rock Desert–High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area. With a staggering 1.2 million acres of protected public lands to explore, the Black Rock Desert stretches across Washoe, Humboldt, and Pershing Counties. Read More

Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge

Tucked away in remote northwestern Nevada, the Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge’s vast beauty can take your breath away. Birds of prey ride thermals along spectacular cliffs and deep gorges; high volcanic tables of grass, sage and wildflowers rise above the surrounding landscape like forts, dotted with small lakes and archaeological wonders; mother antelope nuzzle their young; and vistas so broad you can almost feel them. Read More

Horseback Riding in Mount Rose Wilderness

Mt. Rose Wilderness

Mt. Rose Wilderness is Reno’s backyard wilderness playground, a slice of wild country nestled between the two urban environments of Reno and Lake Tahoe. It contains most of the high country of the Carson Range between Highways I-80 and 431. Outdoor recreational opportunities abound here from hiking, backpacking, backcountry skiing and snowboarding, and horseback riding. Read More

Lake Tahoe

As the largest alpine lake in North America, Lake Tahoe is infamous for its cooling waters, breathtaking scenery, and incredible outdoor recreational opportunities. Tourists from around the world come here to swim, ski and snowboard, hike, mountain bike, participate in water sports, boating, and sailing, and even gamble. Read More

Pyramid Lake

One of the most popular fishing destinations in Nevada, Pyramid Lake features 20-pound native Lahontan Cutthroat Trout. Within the Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation, the lake encompasses 125,000 acres. RV enthusiasts, campers, boaters, birdwatchers and hikers all flock to the largest remnant of ancient Lake Lahontan. Read More

SIGN THE PETITION TO PROTECT WASHOE'S WILD PLACES

Dear Senator Reid, Senator Heller, and Congressman Amodei,

Nevada lawmakers have a history of working together to address issues facing both the rural and urban regions of our state. A public lands bill for Washoe County is an opportunity to resolve a series of long standing major public interest issues in and around the greater Reno-Sparks area.

It will provide lasting benefits for our economy, increase opportunities for diverse recreation, and protect some of our wildest lands as wilderness. In short, it will enhance our high quality of life for now and for generations to come.

I urge you to work together with other members of the Nevada delegation to pass a Washoe County lands bill that will protect wilderness, promote economic development, and continue to improve our quality of life.