Experience the Wild West: Ride the Historic Virginia & Truckee Railroad in Virginia City

166 F Street

Virginia City, NV 89440

(775) 847-0380

Virginia City Visitor Center

86 South C Street

Virginia City, NV 89440

(775) 847-7500

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2024 Virginia City Event Brochure

If you’re planning a visit to Virginia City, the Virginia & Truckee Railroad is an absolute must-experience.  Take a short train ride to Gold Hill Hotel while taking in the views (mustangs included if you're lucky) and the incredible history of the town that helped put VC (and neighboring towns) on the map.  This charming, magical town, just a short drive from Reno, makes for the perfect day trip.  I'm here so often that I practically feel like a local, lol.  Throughout the year, the railroad offers a variety of awesome event trains, including:

-Gold Hill Excursions - This is their main train that operates daily during the summer, May - October

-Pumpkin Patch & Electric Train O' Lights (October)

-Father's Day Train (June) & Mother's Day Train (June)

-Murder Mystery Train (August)

-Civil War Battle Train (late September)

-The Polar Express & Candy Cane Express (December) - your only chance at landing tickets for the Polar Express train is to stay up to date with the news via newsletter.  Subscribe on their homepage.  Tickets usually become available sometime in the summer. 

Rates as of 8/2024

Virginia City is like stepping into the "Wild Wild West." This charming little town is packed with wooden pathways, historic saloons, and that rich history that just pulls you in. I fell in love with it the first time I visited, and the railroad is just one of the many things I keep on coming back for.

If you’re planning a visit, don’t miss out on all the amazing things Virginia City has to offer. From the lively cowboy culture to the unique shops and year-round attractions, including beloved annual events, there’s so much to explore. Be sure to stop by the visitor’s center to get all the info you need for your trip, including lodging, restaurants, tours, and more.

Source

My family has taken the Candy Cane Express several times, and we’ve also loved the everyday 35-minute round-trip ride up to Gold Hill. You even have the option to hop off and explore the hotel before catching another train back to the station. Each ride is an absolute blast, with the staff going above and beyond to make everyone feel the magic of VC, especially during the holiday season.

The ride to Gold Hill on the V&T Railroad feels like stepping into a storybook. As the train winds through the hills, a kind and knowledgeable conductor shares the rich history of this legendary railway. You’ll pass by remnants of old mines, sunbaked rock formations, and patches of sagebrush.  It's the kind of scenery that stops you in your tracks. Keep your eyes open; wild mustangs are known to roam these parts, and spotting one feels like pure Nevada magic. No matter the season, this ride is sure to deliver.

Candy Cane Express Train 

(November & December)

-50-minute round trip to Gold Hill with a brief stop at the "North Pole" to see Santa and his elves in action.

-During the ride, they read *'Twas the Night Before Christmas.*

-Enjoy hot cocoa or apple cider, cookies, and candy canes.

-Snap pictures with the cheerful Candy Cane Sisters.

-Santa comes out for photos at the end of the ride.

-Sing along to Christmas carols, and they even give a shout-out to December birthdays.

-The train cars and depot are beautifully decorated, and the indoor cars are heated for comfort.

-They keep things fresh by changing up the ride every year.

I absolutely LOVE the Candy Cane Express because it’s pure holiday magic. The Candy Cane Sisters are always full of cheer, and the whimsical train and depot are impossible to skip during the holidays. 

Notes

*Before you head out, check AccuWeather for weather updates.  40°F with wind can feel pretty biting. Dressing the right way can be the determining factor for a good trip.

*For train rides, arriving about 15 minutes early is usually enough time to check in at the gift shop

*V&T also offers a longer 1.5-hour ride to Carson City if you’re up for a longer adventure. 

*Purchase tickets in person to avoid online fees & save money

*Subscribe to Virginia City's newsletter to stay up-to-date with all the latest events and happenings.

***Information subject to change.  All opinions are my own.

Photography

Katherine Fung,

All Rights Reserved.

Categorized under "Day Trips From Reno"

Take A Beautiful, Short and Educational hike at Tahoe Meadows Interpretive Loop

*DIRECTIONS

*Details on Komoot

Length:  1.3 miles

Elevation Gain:  62 ft. 

Duration:  .5 - 1 hr.

Snapshot

Tahoe Meadows Interpretive Loop is a must-visit for its easily accessible, family-friendly trail just off the highway. It offers stunning views and vibrant wildflowers in the spring, plus perfect trails for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and tubing in the winter. Just a short, scenic drive from Reno and located right past the Mt. Rose Summit parking lot, this trail is popular year-round with outdoor enthusiasts and frequently used by photographers for seasonal photo sessions.

After having my first baby, I knew I didn't want to be cooped up all day at home.  I sought places that were perfect spot for a family walks.  My criteria included somewhere beautiful in nature, with great views, stroller-friendly, included some shade, and was easy to access.  This is the time when I discovered Tahoe Meadows, which checked all the boxes.  Over the years, it still remains of my favorite trails in the Reno-Tahoe region.

The Tahoe Meadows Interpretive Trail, also known as the Tahoe Meadows Loop, was created to give visitors an easy and educational way to explore the alpine environment just below Mt. Rose Summit. Sitting at about 8,700 feet in elevation, the trail winds through open meadows, gentle streams, and stands of pine and willow, offering a glimpse into the delicate high-mountain ecosystem of the Sierra Nevada. The 1.3-mile loop includes boardwalk sections that protect the fragile wetlands while allowing families, strollers, and wheelchairs to enjoy the scenery comfortably. Along the way, interpretive signs share insights about local wildlife, native plants, geology, and how snowmelt sustains the area’s creeks and meadows. 

Getting There:

Parking is available just past the Mt. Rose Summit Trail parking lot on the left as you head toward Tahoe. If the gates are open, drive downhill until you see the restrooms. If the gates are closed, park in the lot just outside the gates alongside the main street, which is a short walk to the trailhead.

Best Time to Visit: 

Tahoe Meadows is best enjoyed from May until October, as snow accumulation in winter can make the trail difficult to navigate. 

Nearby:

For those seeking more adventure, take the Mt. Rose Summit Trail to Galena Creek Falls (10.7 miles in length).  

Notes

-About a 30-minute scenic drive up the mountain toward Lake Tahoe from South Reno.

-Stroller, kid, wheelchair, and dog-friendly.

-Fairly flat, 1.3-mile loop with a 49-foot elevation gain.

-Restrooms available seasonally.

-Partial shade.

-Great for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the winter (check weather and road conditions before heading out; chains may be needed).

-Popular spot for photoshoots due to its picturesque views.

-Family friendly sledding spot across the street in winter.

-The AllTrails app is a great resource for information, directions, and reviews.

-Paths can get muddy when the weather is wet.

***Information subject to change.  All opinions are my own. 

Photography

© Katherine Fung,

All rights reserved.

Categorized under "Family Friendly Hikes"