As a frequent traveler, there are few places that draw me back like Carson Valley, Nevada. Nestled between the Pine Nut Mountains and Eastern Sierra the valley is an oasis mere minutes from Lake Tahoe. This historic and picturesque valley offers a legendary experience! I’ve experienced some of my biggest adrenaline moments and enjoyed some “unplug” time on the same trip. Here’s why you need to add Carson Valley to your list ASAP!
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Typically, I choose to make the drive up US Route 95 through the mining and ghost towns of Nevada’s wild west. Leaving the neon of Las Vegas passing Goldfield’s International Car Forest of the Last Church (yes you read that correctly) viewing the vastness of the Sierra range leading me to the valley is the perfect start for me. Stay alert to catch a glimpse of all the #WeirdNevada oddities along the way. Ammo flowers in Hawthorne. Haunted hotels of Tonopah. Likely a few “test cars” oddly wrapped to hide their true appearance near Beaty. Mountain sheep along Walker Lake. All this is a story for another day. The best part of the road trip from Vegas is cresting the hill along highway 395 as you descend into Carson Valley. It is a view I have taken in dozens of times and still leaves me breathless.
395 cuts the valley lengthwise and allows you to see some of the area’s history. Spanish and French Basque settled the area and still have heavy influence on dining. Swing into JT Basque to try your hand at tossing a dollar to the ceiling while enjoying a (traditional old west cocktail) Picon Punch. Bring your appetite as this family-style dining will leave you ready for the longest of hikes. (Enjoy your dessert ice cream with a drizzle of the red table wine while adding a spoonful of the vanilla ice cream into your coffee to fit in with the locals.)
Now that your belly is full, take your time strolling the main streets of Gardnerville and Minden. The picturesque shops offer a bit of everything. If shopping isn’t up your alley, grab a hiking guide and hits a few of the miles and miles of trails.
Schedule your time in the valley so you are able to tour Bentley Heritage Estate Distillery. This distillery’s home is an old flour mill and creamery. Making the combination of history and advanced technology blend while creating legendary spirits. Currently, they are producing vodka and gin with America’s First aging as we type. I suggest trying the Sherry-Rested Vodka if you only choose one. The distillery tour is an Instagrammers dream come true. The sleek lines and photogenic copper stills beg to be photographed with no detail left out.
The rest of the evening you can enjoy one of the many amazing restaurants around town. Many offer great cocktails made with Bentley spirits. As you return to your hotel, make sure you look up! The night sky is ahhhmazing!
I wake for the sunrises when visiting Carson Valley. A Carson Valley sunrise will make even the worst morning person enjoy the wake-up call. As the sun rises over the Pine Nut range head out to Foothill Road to see the geo-thermals steam in the foreground. Your Instagram will thank you!
After breakfast, a typical day for me is hitting the trails to enjoy some nature, but my favorite morning was a ride with Soaring Nevada. The gliders float above the valley (we were at 15,000 feet) giving you the eagle’s view of the valley! You can even peek at Lake Tahoe over the mountain range. Carson Valley is one of the top places in the world for soaring! The “wave” comes over the mountain range to provide a lift that can keep you up for hours. (There is no engine) We have traveled the world and had great adventures. My morning of gliding over Carson Valley tops my list of favorites! (Next up for me is a hot-air balloon ride over the valley.)
You cannot visit Carson Valley without a stop in Genoa Bar. The bar is known as “Nevada’s Oldest Thirst Parlor.” Walking through the doors (labeled “No Horses Allowed”) you realize this is the building that the phrase “if these walls could talk” was written for. Nestled at the base of the mountain, historic greats like Mark Twain, Teddy Roosevelt, Wyatt Earp and more have sat at this bar. Yes, it is the original bar. The conversations that have happened. The images of true old west legends have reflected back across the bar from the diamond dust mirror. This is history and it is still very much in operation.
These are my favorites while in the valley, but there are many more activities. It is also the perfect hub while visiting other areas of northern Nevada.
Random Facts about Carson Valley, Nevada
- Enjoy the hot springs that inspired Mark Twain and relaxed Teddy Roosevelt.
- Or, was it the bar that inspired Mark Twain? Grab a drink at the same bar after your soak. Make sure to ask the bartender at Genoa Bar to show you the diamond dust mirror!
- The Ferris Wheel was inspired by the water wheel on the Carson River as a young George Ferris spent hours watching the motion. He later invented the Ferris Wheel for the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair.
- Snowshoe Thompson is the hero of the area (or as Josh Gate’s called him on an episode of Expedition Unknown a “bad ass”). He carried mail to rural areas through the worst of the Sierra Nevada snow with a pack and his snowshoes. Stop by the museum in Genoa to learn more.
- Charley Parkhurst lived life as a man and may have been the first woman to ever vote in a presidential election. His secret was discovered after death.
- Bald eagles swarm to the area in winter to feed on the after-birth on the cattle ranches.
- Just 20 minutes from the slopes of Lake Tahoe, the weather is temperate enough to offer year-round outdoor activities.
- Genoa is the oldest permanent settlement in Nevada. Established in 1851.
- Basque history shapes the valley. Enjoy Basque-style dining and don’t forget the Picon Punch!
Angela’s #whyCV
To name one reason would be impossible for me. I wrote for the Visit Carson Valley site here, listing my top 6 reasons.
If I must narrow it, I will go with a broad “it is the entire atmosphere.” It is the scenery. It is the people. It is history. It is the step away from the Vegas city life to a relaxed and welcoming place.
Vince’s #whyCV
Getting to Carson Valley, Nevada
- Drive in from Vegas. Straight up US Route 95. It takes about 7.5 hours and is a glimpse into Weird (and wonderful) Nevada.
- Fly into Reno from anywhere.
- Drive in from the San Francisco Bay Area while skirting the edge of Lake Tahoe. Keep an eye out for my favorite tree as you descend into Carson Valley on Kingsbury Grade.
Tips for your trip to Carson Valley
- Try a Picon Punch at JT Basque while tossing your dollar to the ceiling.
- Ask the bartender to show you the diamond dust mirror while enjoying a drink at the historic Genoa Bar.
- Learn about Nevada’s First Settlement at Mormon’s Fort.
- Tour the most beautiful distillery I have ever seen at Bentley Heritage Estate Distillery.
- Take in a great concert at Carson Valley Inn’s TJ’s Corral.
- Soak in legendary hot springs used by Mark Twain and Teddy Roosevelt.
- Enjoy the wildlife (bald eagles, wild horses and more).
- Find a place to enjoy one of the most beautiful sunsets you will ever see.
- Don’t peek inside the safe at Genoa Bar.
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