Outdoors

Editors’ choices

Best hiking trail

Jumbo Grade

During the Comstock boom, ore was taken over the mountain, down a grade into Washoe Valley, and across a bridge over Washoe Lake to the Ophir Mill. As it happened, they were hauling it past another source of ore, which was discovered in the mid-1930s and set off the Jumbo boom. The Jumbo Grade is still there, and one of the best hiking experiences in the area. It’s easy to find—there’s a street sign in New Washoe City marked Jumbo Grade.

Best place to swim

Idlewild Pool

No disrespect to the perennial favorite of this category, Lake Tahoe, but swimming in that lake ain’t easy lately. Yes, its pristine blue waters are—aside from absolutely frigid most of the year—full to the brim, but so are its parking lots. And, yes, lounging on the beach is a rare treat in the desert, but if you want to actually swim, look a little closer to home. The pool at Idlewild Park, 1805 Idlewild Drive, has helped Renoites beat the heat since 1937. With an Olympic-sized lap pool, one-meter springboard, dedicated kiddy pool and ADA access ramp, Idlewild can accommodate swimmers of every age and skill level. Prices are nominal, seating is plentiful, and there’s a lifeguard to make sure everyone stays safe. Take that, Tessie.

Readers’ choices

Best bicycle-ride destination

1. Lake Tahoe

2. Truckee River Bike Trail

3. Mayberry Park

Best golf course

1. Montreux Golf & Country Club

18077 Bordeaux Drive, 849-1090

2. Lakeridge Golf Course

1218 Golf Club Drive, 825-2200

3. Red Hawk Golf and Resort

6600 N. Wingfield Parkway, Sparks, 626-6000

Best hiking trail

1. Hunter Creek Trail

2. Tahoe Rim Trail

3. Galena Creek Trail

Best local hot springs

1. David Walley’s Hot Springs Resort and Spa

2001 Foothill Road, Genoa, 782-8155

2. Carson Hot Springs Resort

1500 Old Hot Springs Road, Carson City, 885-8844

3. Sierra Hot Springs

521 Campbell Hot Springs Road, Sierraville, California, (530) 994-3773

Best picnic spot

1. Idlewild Park

2. Rancho San Rafael Regional Park

3. Mayberry Park

Best place to swim

1. Lake Tahoe

2. Donner Lake

3. The Pool

Grand Sierra Resort, 2500 E. Second St., 789-2000

Best ski resort

1. Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe

22222 Mt. Rose Highway, 849-0704

2. Squaw Valley Resort

1960 Squaw Valley Road, Olympic Valley, California, (800) 403-0206

3. Northstar California Resort

5001 Northstar Drive, Truckee, California, (800) 466-6784

Best snowboarding

1. Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe

22222 Mt. Rose Highway, 849-0704

2. Northstar California Resort

5001 Northstar Drive, Truckee, California, (800) 466-6784

3. Squaw Valley Resort

1960 Squaw Valley Road, Olympic Valley, California, (800) 403-0206