Outdoors

Editors' Picks

Best historic hike

Jumbo Grade

In Comstock days, ore was brought over Mount Davidson, down the Jumbo Grade, across a bridge over Washoe Lake to the Ophir Mill (that ruin alongside U.S. 395). There was also a mining camp, Jumbo, on the grade in the early 20th century. Jumbo Grade is still there, and a nifty hike. It's a 10-miler, with year-round mixed use including hiking/running, mountain biking, pack and saddle, motorcycling, and ATVs. It's not the hardest trail in the area, just about 950 elevation from the bottom to the top, but if it's too tough, you can always head over to the Best Place to Drink with your Mom. For details, go to www.nvtrailmaps.com/trail.php?trail=829

Best trail ride Verdi Trails West

Verdi Trails West is maybe 10 minutes from Reno, and it straddles the state line. With around 3,000 deeded acres of U.S. Forest Service land and friendly staff who'll put up with the clumsiest of rhinestone cowboys, this place is a nice go-to for horseback riding, especially if you've got visitors in town who are looking for a Western-y experience. Everyone from pro riders to wide-eyed tourists in pretty sandals and 10-gallon hats can be spotted here, and all are made to feel welcome. Lee Lizotte is the contact, at 345-7600.

Readers' Picks

Best spot to smooch under the stars

1. Windy Hill

2. Lake Tahoe

3. Mount Rose

Best spot to run around naked

1. Burning Man

2. Lake Tahoe

3. Moonlite BunnyRanch

69 Moonlight Road, Mound House, 246-9901

Best spot to hike

1. Mount Rose

2. Lake Tahoe

3. Tahoe Rim Trail

Best snowboarding

1. Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe

22222 Mt. Rose Highway, 849-0704

2. Northstar California Resort

5001 Northstar Drive, Truckee, Calif., (800) 466-6784

3. Squaw Valley Resort

1960 Squaw Valley Road, Squaw Valley, Calif., (800) 403-0206

Best ski resort

1. Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe

22222 Mt. Rose Highway, 849-0704

2. Northstar California Resort

5001 Northstar Drive, Truckee, Calif., (800) 466-6784

3. Squaw Valley Resort

1960 Squaw Valley Road, Squaw Valley, Calif., (800) 403-0206

Best skiing

1. Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe

22222 Mt. Rose Highway, 849-0704

2. Squaw Valley Resort

1960 Squaw Valley Road, Squaw Valley, Calif., (800) 403-0206

2. Northstar California Resort

5001 Northstar Drive, Truckee, Calif., (800) 466-6784

Best place to swim

1. Lake Tahoe

2. Truckee River

2. Idlewild Park

1900 Idlewild Drive

Best place to ride a personal watercraft

1. Lake Tahoe

2. Pyramid Lake

3. Boca Reservoir

3. Truckee River

Best picnic spot

1. Rancho San Rafael Regional Park

2595 N. Sierra St.

2. Lake Tahoe

3. Idlewild Park

1900 Idlewild Drive

3. Pignic Pub & Patio

235 Flint St., 376-1948

Best local hot springs

1. David Walley's Hot Springs Resort and Spa

2001 Foothill Road, Genoa, 782-8155

2. Sierra Hot Springs

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

3. Steamboat Hot Springs

16010 S. Virginia St., 853-6600

Best golf course

1. Thunder Canyon Country Club

19 Lightning W Ranch Road, Washoe Valley, 882-0882

2. Red Hawk Golf and Resort

6295 Wingfield Springs Road, Sparks, 626-6000

3. Lakeridge Golf Course

1218 Golf Club Drive, 825-2200