Whether coming from the north, south, east or west to attend the Reno River Festival 2008, your drive has potential to be an adventure all its own.

FROM THE NORTH BY CAR
Coming from the north, Reno is generally accessed through U.S. Highway 395 via CA-89. The majority of this route travels through northern California where you’ll experience wild and untouched wilderness. The summer climbing season should be in full swing at Mt. Shasta, one of California’s highest peaks and a popular attraction for outdoor enthusiasts. Or take a side trip to Lassen Volcanic National Park where the weather should be warming up and there are plenty of activities for all types of adventure-seekers. The next 180 miles takes you deep into the forest before reaching the lights of Reno.

FROM THE SOUTH BY CAR
Coming from the south, U.S. Highway 395 generally is the chosen route to Reno with the opportunity to experience some of nature’s most thrilling adventures along the way. A one-hour detour on CA-120 from the highway will take you to Yosemite National Park. Hike along massive waterfalls and through deep canyons while photographing a vast wilderness area of ancient sequoias and much more.

The legendary Mammoth Mountain is another big tourist destination, offering a lot more than just great skiing. If heading to Reno for the River Festival in the spring, it’s just a short 15-minute detour on Highway 203 to a variety of hiking and mountain biking trails, fishing holes and golf courses. The next three hours will wind you through scenic desert and mountain terrain before you reach your final destination.

FROM THE EAST BY CAR
Traveling westbound, I-80 passes through hundreds of miles of scenic desert. Just west of the Utah-Nevada border, and directly off the interstate, lays the Humboldt Toiyabe National Forest and the Ruby Mountains. This mountain comprises one of the many ranges in the Great Basin and offers a multitude of recreational activities. Lamoille Canyon, one of the scenic wonders of the Great Basin, is located in the west-central portion of the Ruby Mountains and offers hikers natural views of this rugged landscape. Also within this area visitors have opportunities to camp, horseback ride, observe nature, mountain bike and ski. From the mountain range, it’s just less than five hours to Reno.

FROM THE WEST BY CAR
Travelers coming from the west will travel on I-80 through the Golden State’s expansive Central Valley. The interstate takes drivers on a stretch through the state capitol, Sacramento, before venturing into the Sierra Mountains. Right off the interstate, about 30 minutes from Reno, you’ll see the historic Donner Lake just minutes before you reach the mountain town of Truckee. For a quick side trip, take CA-89 to Tahoe City, or continue on that route to Incline Village where some of the area’s most popular ski resorts are located. From this area, Reno is a short 30-minute drive.

ONCE IN RENO
Located in the heart of downtown Reno, the Reno Whitewater Park carves through the city’s Art District, bringing with it a wave of adventure.
To get here, take I-80 toward the center of town and get off at the downtown Reno/Virginia Street exit.
Head south on Sierra Street, which eventually runs directly over the Truckee River.
From Sierra Street, turn right (west) on First Street, which lines the Whitewater Park – you’ll see the extreme river action from the street – you can’t miss it.