RENO -- TAHOE -- CARSON CITY -- VIRGINIA CITY

And Sparks too! For a more civilized vacation, with an option for casino-style hedonism, this is a great area for tourism. Often overlooked is the natural beauty of the Truckee River. The Truckee River begins at the outlet from Lake Tahoe near Tahoe City on the northwest shore of Tahoe in California. The Truckee River then flows to, surprise, Truckee!

Actually, Truckee is the name of the Indian guide who *successfully* led the first emigrant party throught the Sierras(1). The Donner party stole the historical show because of their mistakes and the extreme measures used to survive. The Truckee River turns east and flows with Highway 80 down a steep canyon that recently suffered some extensive fire damage. After 30 miles you will be in Reno!