The Truckee River
A lot of people who have never visited Reno think the city lies in a desert, like Las Vegas or Phoenix. However, Reno is actually in the "high desert," which is much different. Sure, we still get far less rainfall than say, Seattle, but the vegetation here is different, and so is the climate. We're warm in the summer (but not as warm as Las Vegas), and can get down to below the teens during the winter at times. We also have lakes and rivers that add to the scenery, including the Truckee River that runs right through the middle of downtown Reno.
The Truckee offers a whale of recreational opportunities just steps away from the casinos and resorts. There's a world-class whitewater park that runs for 1 1/2 miles through downtown, so just about any time of the year you can see kyakers running the rapids. A River Walk offers a paved pathway to walk along the river and enjoy the views, and there are several parks along the river, as well. You can even bring your fishing gear and try your hand at landing a trout or two! In the summer, several companies offer raft rentals so you can enjoy the rapids by yourself or with a guide.
The Truckee River is the jewel of downtown Reno, and as we speak, developers are putting in more restaurants, clubs, and condos so you can enjoy every aspect of the Truckee when you visit Reno.
