Geiger Lookout Wayside Park- A Nice Stop with Great Views on the way to and from Virginia City

1990 Geiger Grade Rd. 

Reno, NV, 89521

Old Geiger Grade OHV Trail

Virginia City Website | Instagram

Geiger Lookout is a favorite spot for sunset lovers and curious travelers making their way to and from Virginia City. You’ll find this gem just a bit up the winding road from Reno, with a turnout offering about 11 parking spaces.

One of the coolest things about Reno is how diverse it is, with rivers, farmland, forests, and the Old West vibe all within a short drive of each other. At Geiger Lookout, you’ll be treated to rock-lined paths, muted nature colors, and vibrant red mineral mountains, creating a truly unique experience.

With multiple lookout points, you’ll soak in sweeping views of Mt. Rose, the Sierra Mountains, and Downtown Reno. Sitting at about 1,000 feet above the Truckee Meadows, you’ll feel on top of the world, surrounded by stunning scenery.

The park also features the remnants of 1938 barbecues, wells, and even a “love seat,” bringing visitors back in time and sparking curiosity about its history.

Just a quick 15-minute drive up a scenic, winding road will lead you to Virginia City, a charming town steeped in rich mining history and that classic “old west” feel.

Throughout the year, Virginia City comes alive with annual events, parades, and tours, making it a hotspot for tourists. With ghost tours, saloons, restaurants, and unique boutiques, there’s no shortage of exciting experiences waiting for you in the "Wild Wild West."

Together, Geiger Grade Lookout and Virginia City offer the perfect day trip: a mix of breathtaking natural views, historical intrigue, and classic Old West charm. Whether you’re soaking in the sunset from the lookout or wandering the streets of Virginia City, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for the beauty and history that surrounds Reno.

Fun Fact: Geiger Grade was once a crucial route for miners traveling between Reno and Virginia City during the Comstock Lode boom, and Virginia City itself still preserves many buildings from that era.  Some are over 150 years old.

Notes 
-A plaque at the stone stairs commemorates Dr. Davison M. Geiger, a local physician who helped finance the original Geiger Grade Road. The stairs lead to the lookout and a cozy “love seat” where you can relax and take in the views.
-The park covers approximately 2 acres.
-Partial shade is available under the trees.
-There are no functional restrooms on site, so plan accordingly.
-It can get windy, so check the weather and dress appropriately before your visit.
-Dr. Geiger had strong ties to the Virginia City / Comstock Lode area, where he was active in the local church (source).

Categorized under "Parks and Playgrounds" & "Scenic Overlooks"

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

Photography 

©Katherine Fung

All Rights Reserved

Enjoy Scenic Walks and Wildlife at Virginia Lake Park in Reno

1980 Lakeside Dr
Reno, NV 89509

Website

Rentable Shelter

Yelp

Virginia Lake Park is a beautifully landscaped 32-acre park featuring a serene man-made lake surrounded by charming houses and vibrant wildlife. Here, you can spot various birds, including pigeons, geese, crows, double-crested cormorants, snowy egrets, and California gulls. The park offers a relaxing atmosphere, reminiscent of a beach setting, with the soothing sounds of fountains and the gentle rustle of nature all around.

Park Features

-1-Mile Loop Trail:  A short, flat trail lined with parking and houses, perfect for walking year-round. There's also a concentric dirt trail that circles the lake.

-Play Areas: Enjoy grassy areas with two play structures, swings, and a small stage for performances.

-Pavilions: Rent a pavilion with BBQ facilities that can accommodate up to 100 people.

-Restrooms: Available year-round

-Exercise Area (Lymbery St.): Stay active with an exercise zone located right next to the park's parking lot

-Fishing Pier: Spend a relaxing day fishing from the pier. Fishing permit.

-Benches: Plenty of seating along the lake for bird watching and enjoying the scenery.

-Dog Park (south side of lake on Eastshore Dr.): Gated & off leash.  Muddy when wet.

-Picnic Areas: Plenty of shaded spots under trees for ideal for picnics.

Notes

*If you’re sensitive to bird droppings or have a dog that tends to eat them, you might want to consider visiting another park, as they can be common on the trail.

*An ice cream truck frequently parks in front of the playgrounds during the summer months. 

*An island in the center of the lake is home to a variety of birds.

*The park is dog-friendly, but dogs must be kept on a leash. 

*The trail around the lake is paved, making it accessible for everyone. Biking and horseback riding are not permitted on the paths. 

*Enjoy a smoke-free environment throughout the park. 

*Explore a charming stone-bench garden area near the pier and take in the diverse plant life that enhances the park's beauty. 

*Designated feeding areas for wild birds are located at both ends of the lake.

*Virginia Lake Park is within walking distance of the Peppermill Casino.

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

Photography

©Katherine Fung,

All Rights Reserved.

Categorized Under "Parks and Playgrounds," "Family Friendly Trails," "Picnic spots," & "Event/Birthday Spots"