About the area

Nestled between the Great Basin and the Sierra Nevada, the University of Nevada, Reno sits on the traditional homelands of the Washoe and Northern Paiute peoples, with close ties to the Shoshone and Southern Paiute communities throughout the state. Surrounded by 20 federally recognized tribes, the region’s rich Indigenous heritage makes Reno a vibrant and inspiring location for CoLang 2026. Learn more about the Reno–Tahoe area and the many opportunities to engage with its indigenous communities, cultural sites, and natural landscapes.

Outdoor sights

Channeling the crystal waters of Lake Tahoe, the Truckee River runs leisurely through downtown Reno. Numerous mountain ranges rise ruggedly from the desert basin, providing stunning views and unmatched sunsets. When you breathe the crisp mountain air and smell the hint of sagebrush on the breeze, you'll know you're in Reno.

Truckee River

The Truckee River has sustained the Washoe and Paiute peoples for thousands of years, connecting Pyramid Lake and Lake Tahoe as a vital source of life and culture. Today, it remains central to the region's identity and invites visitors to enjoy rafting, kayaking, fishing, and it's natural beauty.

Pyramid Lake

Pyramid Lake has been sacred to the Northern Paiute people for thousands of years, forming a vital part of their culture and stories, including the legend of the Stone Mother. Today, visitors can enjoy camping, boating, fishing, swimming, and picnicking along its striking desert shoreline.

washoe valley with horses in front of mountains

Washoe Lake

Washoe Lake and its surrounding valley have long been home to the Washoe people, who wintered there. Today, the lake remains a place of connection to the land, offering opportunities for hiking, biking, horseback riding, boating, kayaking, windsurfing, camping, and wildlife viewing.

Black Rock Desert

The Black Rock Desert has been home to humans for thousands of years, including the Paiute people, who settled in the region and used its striking namesake rock formation as a landmark. The vast playa now invites visitors to explore hot springs, camp, ride off-road, and experience its famous stargazing.

View More outdoor activities in Reno Tahoe

Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe has been home to the Washoe people for over 10,000 years, using the lake for camping, hunting, and fishing. Today, visitors can enjoy its beaches, hike and bike along scenic trails, and swim, paddleboard, kayak, jet ski, and fish in the clear mountain waters.

Visit Lake Tahoe

Petroglyphs

Northern Nevada has significant petroglyph sites, some of which are among the oldest in the world. These sites contain a variety of carvings, including geometric shapes, animal figures like desert bighorn sheep, and anthropomorphic forms, with interpretations often suggesting connections to hunting rituals and the natural environment. Explore some key petroglyph sites in Northern Nevada below.

Experience the arts

Reno offers a vibrant arts scene that showcases local creativity and celebrates indigenous peoples through events like Artown and institutions such as the Nevada Museum of Art.

Artown

Artown is a month-long summer festival occurring each July that showcases the best of northern Nevada’s multidisciplinary arts. Its mission is to strengthen Reno’s arts community, enhance the city’s cultural identity, and promote local creativity on a regional and national stage—helping establish Reno as a vibrant hub for arts and culture.

Artown

Nevada Museum of Art

The Nevada Museum of Art, Nevada’s only accredited art museum, highlights the region’s environment and cultures, including the Washoe, Northern Paiute, and Shoshone peoples. Through exhibitions, programs, and educational resources, it connects Indigenous cultural heritage with broader public engagement in art and the Great Basin landscape.

Nevada Museum of Art