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Road cycling routes
United States
Nevada
Washoe County

Reno

The best traffic-free bike rides around Reno

By Fede from komoot

·

Updated May 28, 2026

If you've ever tried planning road cycling around Reno, you know how quickly the options can feel overwhelming. With so many roads and paths, it's tough to figure out which routes are genuinely worth your time and effort, and which are just filler. We get it – you want to spend your time riding, not endlessly researching.

That's where we come in. Our komoot community has ridden, mapped, and reviewed countless miles here, so we've done the legwork to bring you a curated shortlist of the best no traffic road cycling routes that are truly worth your legs. This guide cuts through the noise, saving you the guesswork so you can hit the pavement with confidence.

Road cycling around Reno offers an incredible blend of landscapes, from the dramatic backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains to the serene paths along the Truckee River and the expansive high desert. You'll find everything from easy, flat spins to routes with significant elevation changes, catering to all skill levels. While many routes are accessible year-round, the higher desert and mountain roads are best enjoyed from spring through fall.

If you only do one ride, we'd start with the Idlewild Park – Truckee River loop from Idlewild Park Train Ride. At 33.5 miles (53.9 km) with 1,944 feet (593 m) of climbing, it's a moderate route that truly captures the essence of Reno cycling, offering scenic views along the river. For a slightly shorter, easier option that still delivers on views, the Roadbike loop from Atlantis Reno Casino is a great choice at 15.9 miles (25.6 km) with 704 feet (215 m) of elevation gain. Ready to explore? More than 1,100 road cyclists have already used komoot to discover Reno's diverse terrain.

If you only do 3 of these routes

  1. 1

    Idlewild Park – Truckee River loop from Idlewild Park Train Ride
  2. 2

    Roadbike loop from Atlantis Reno Casino
  3. 3

    Roadbike loop from Reno

Compare these routes at a glance

Trail

Distance

Elevation

Difficulty

Idlewild Park – Truckee River loop from Idlewild Park Train Ride

52.5 km

590 m

Moderate

Roadbike loop from Atlantis Reno Casino

25.6 km

210 m

Easy

Roadbike loop from Reno

24.2 km

60 m

Easy

Mayberry Junction – Virginia Lake loop from Mogul Open Space

52.2 km

510 m

Moderate

1.

Idlewild Park – Truckee River loop from Idlewild Park Train Ride

52.5km

02:32

590m

590m

The Idlewild Park Truckee River loop cycling routes offer a delightful blend of urban charm and natural beauty, making it a popular choice for cyclists in Reno. You'll start amidst the green expanses of Idlewild Park, passing by its duck ponds and the colorful David D. Clicks Rose Garden, before joining the paved multi-use path that hugs the Truckee River. The route provides continuous river views, transitioning through the bustling Reno Riverwalk and Wingfield Park in downtown, offering a dynamic and engaging ride.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as Idlewild Park provides ample parking and serves as an excellent access point. The path is accessible year-round, with some sections even plowed during winter, ensuring you can enjoy it in various seasons. While the route is largely considered an easy ride, its popularity means you should be prepared to share the path with walkers and runners, especially in park and downtown areas.

This route is a fantastic option for family friendly cycling Idlewild Park Truckee River, connecting numerous parks like Crissie Caughlin Park and Riverview Sports Park, and offering access to restrooms and picnic areas. It provides a unique opportunity to experience nature within an urban setting, with the flexibility to customize your ride length and even stop for food or drinks in downtown Reno.

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2.

Roadbike loop from Atlantis Reno Casino

25.6km

01:09

210m

210m

Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

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3.

Roadbike loop from Reno

24.2km

01:18

60m

60m

The Roadbike loop from Reno offers a pleasant and accessible road cycling experience, perfect for a quick ride or a leisurely spin. This easy route covers 15.1 miles (24.2 km) with a minimal 207 feet (63 metres) of elevation gain, making it a great option for beginners or those seeking a relaxed outing. You can expect well-paved surfaces, potentially along the scenic Truckee River, offering a refreshing escape from city bustle.

Planning your ride is straightforward, with many popular road cycling routes in Reno starting from easily accessible points with parking. While some parts of Reno can be busy, sections along the Truckee River often provide more protected paths for cyclists. This loop is estimated to take about 1 hour and 17 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a morning warm-up or an afternoon cruise. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable weather for cycling in the region.

Reno's road cycling terrain often features the stunning backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains, even on flatter routes. This particular loop is a good example of the shorter, more manageable options available, contrasting with the more challenging climbs towards places like Virginia City. It's a solid choice if you're looking for a low-stress ride that still allows you to enjoy the fresh air and local scenery without committing to a long, strenuous journey.

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4.

Mayberry Junction – Virginia Lake loop from Mogul Open Space

52.2km

02:21

510m

510m

The Mayberry Junction – Virginia Lake loop from Mogul Open Space offers a diverse road cycling experience, blending high desert vistas with urban and lakeside scenery. You'll navigate rolling hills and enjoy panoramic views of the Truckee Meadows and downtown Reno from the Mogul area, before transitioning to the calmer, multi-use Virginia Lake loop. This moderate 32.5-mile (52.2 km) route involves 1680 feet (512 metres) of elevation gain and takes about 2 hours and 21 minutes, making it a rewarding ride for those seeking varied landscapes.

Planning your ride, be aware that while much of the route is paved, some sections in the Mogul area might feature unpaved surfaces, so be prepared for mixed terrain. The Virginia Lake portion is a pleasant, flat, off-road loop, generally well-paved. Always carry sufficient water, especially when cycling in the high desert climate, and consider starting early to make the most of the day.

This loop stands out for its unique combination of environments, offering a dynamic cycling experience that moves from the Sierra Nevada foothills to urban stretches and serene lakeside paths. It provides an excellent opportunity to explore the varied landscapes around Reno, from the expansive views near Mogul Open Space to the tranquil waters of Virginia Lake, all within a single, engaging ride.

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Tips from the Community

Andrus
November 24, 2023, Idlewild Park

Idlewild Park is one of the largest and well appointed parks in Reno. For runners the Crooked Mile Trail along the Truckee River is a highlight. You'll also find restrooms, playgrounds, ball fields, a rose garden and more. Idlewild also plays host to Food Truck Fridays through summer, which is one of the largest food truck events in the country.

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The Tahoe-Pyramid Trail (abbreviated as ‘TPT’) that follows the entire length of the Truckee River, from its source at Lake Tahoe (6225’/1897m) to Pyramid Lake (3796’/1157m). The trail (at 81% completion as of 2023) can be enjoyed by hikers, runners, walkers, or cyclists. Once fully completed the trail will descend nearly 2500′(762m) in elevation over the course of the 114-mile (184km) length, using a combination of existing dirt, paved, and historic roads, bike paths, as well as many newly constructed sections of trail and connecting bridges in both urban and more remote trail areas. https://tahoepyramidtrail.org

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Andrus
August 20, 2023, Mary Gojack Park

More of a field than a park, however there are restrooms on site and some nice restaurants across the street.

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Andrus
August 20, 2023, Virginia Lake

Virginia Lake is a popular spot in Midtown Reno. It's great for riding with the family as there are many picnic spots around the lake, a playground for the kids, as well as toilets and water.

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Andrus
August 19, 2023, Truckee River

The Truckee River runs right through the center of Reno and provides miles of trails in both directions. Everything along the river is part of the Tahoe to Pyramid bike trail that parallels the Truckee River from its source in Tahoe City to its end at Pyramid Lake.

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Andrus
August 18, 2023, Riverside Drive

Riverside Drive is the heart of Reno's outdoor loving culture. With towering trees and various forms of public art it's a must for anyone visiting the city. Hub Coffee Roasters sits right in the middle and is basically a required stop for any cyclist passing by. The area is beautiful throughout the year so be sure to check it out no matter when you visit.

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At the intersection of Mayberry & McCarran you'll find a large park on one side of the road and Walden's Coffee House on the other. Just behind Walden's is a small horse pasture that's also home to a few alpacas.

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0

Good place to start and finish a ride. Great views, shade, and a few benches make it very welcoming.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many no-traffic road cycling routes are available around Reno?

There are over 8 dedicated no-traffic road cycling routes around Reno featured in this guide, catering to various skill levels. You'll find 2 easy routes and 6 moderate options to explore.

What is the best time of year for no-traffic road cycling in Reno?

Reno boasts over 300 days of sunshine annually, making it an excellent destination for road cycling almost year-round. Spring and fall offer particularly pleasant temperatures, while summer mornings are ideal before the heat sets in. Even winter can be suitable for cycling on clear, dry days, especially on lower elevation routes.

What do other cyclists say about the no-traffic road cycling routes in Reno?

The no-traffic road cycling routes around Reno are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.19 out of 5 stars from 53 ratings. Cyclists often praise the scenic views, the variety of terrain, and the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful Sierra Nevada backdrop without vehicle interference.

Are there easy, beginner-friendly no-traffic road cycling routes in Reno?

Yes, there are several easy options perfect for beginners or those looking for a relaxed ride. For instance, the Roadbike loop from Atlantis Reno Casino is an easy 25.6 km route with minimal elevation gain, offering a pleasant experience.

Are there challenging no-traffic road cycling routes for experienced riders?

While this guide focuses on no-traffic routes, many moderate options offer good distances and some elevation. For example, the Idlewild Park – Truckee River loop from Idlewild Park Train Ride is a moderate 53.8 km route with over 590 meters of elevation gain, providing a good workout. The broader Reno area, including routes like the Geiger Grade or Rose Highway, offers more significant climbs for those seeking a challenge, though these may have some traffic.

Are there any circular no-traffic road cycling routes?

Yes, many of the routes in this guide are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Mayberry Junction – Virginia Lake loop from Mogul Open Space (52.3 km) and the Cyan Park loop from Comstock Park (29.8 km).

What natural features or landmarks can I see along these routes?

Many routes offer scenic views of Reno's natural surroundings. You might cycle alongside the Truckee River, enjoy views of the Sierra Nevada mountains, or pass by local parks. Specific highlights in the area include Virginia Lake and Idlewild Park. The Erica Greif Memorial Bikeway is also a notable cycling path.

Are there family-friendly no-traffic road cycling routes?

Absolutely! Routes with lower difficulty grades and well-paved surfaces are great for families. The flat, paved sections of the Tahoe-Pyramid Bikeway along the Truckee River are particularly suitable, offering scenic, tree-lined areas and open desert fields. Many local parks also provide safe, car-free environments for cycling.

Can I bring my dog on these no-traffic road cycling routes?

While many parks and trails in the Reno area are dog-friendly, specific rules may apply to paved cycling paths. It's always best to check local regulations for each route. Generally, dogs on leashes are welcome in many public outdoor spaces. Dog Valley, for instance, is a popular spot for outdoor activities with dogs.

Are there any waterfalls or significant water features to see?

While the routes in this guide focus on road cycling, the Reno area is home to beautiful water features. The Hunter's Creek Waterfall is a notable attraction accessible via hiking trails. Many cycling routes will take you along the scenic Truckee River, offering pleasant riverside views.

Where can I find parking for these no-traffic road cycling routes?

Many of the routes start near public parks or designated trailheads which often have parking facilities. For example, routes like the Roadbike loop from The Summit Park & Ride (NDOT) explicitly mention a park and ride location, indicating convenient parking. It's advisable to check the starting point of your chosen route for specific parking information.

Are there any cafes or amenities along the no-traffic road cycling routes?

Many routes pass through or near urban areas and parks, where you can find cafes, restaurants, and other amenities. For example, routes that loop through areas like Idlewild Park or near Virginia Lake will have facilities nearby. It's always a good idea to plan your stops in advance, especially on longer rides, to ensure you have access to refreshments.

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