The Plumas National Forest in the Sierra Nevada attracts outdoor enthusiasts thanks to its diverse landscape and recreation opportunities. The area features many streams and lakes, as well as scenic canyons and mountain valleys. ATV trail riding is permitted in the Bucks Lake Recreation Area near the town of Quincy, California, which is about an hour-and-a-half drive from Reno. Tour operators from Reno also organize tours of the Frenchman Lake Recreation Area near Chilcoot in the Plumas National Forest for off-road enthusiasts or novices interested in guided and organized rides.
The 22-mile Rubicon Trail, located in the Sierra Nevada, was once a Native American trail connecting the Sacramento Valley and Lake Tahoe. Today it is widely recognized as a premiere route for off-road enthusiasts. The maintained portion of the trail is also known as the McKinney-Rubicon Springs Road and begins at Georgetown, California. The unmaintained portion of the trail begins at Wentworth Springs and passes through part of the El Dorado National Forest. Since portions of the trail are challenging and very rocky, riders should take care to minimize their impact on the trail and avoid erosion of the trail system.
The 30-mile Hunter Lake Trail loops from Reno through a portion of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. Riders can expect an elevation gain of 3,500 vertical feet along maintained fire roads to Big Meadow and Hunter Lake, with a thrilling and rugged descent. The Humboldt-Toiyable National Forest itself features a number of additional moderate ATV trails. The Horizon Hills Trail is located on the northeast side of Peavine Mountain and the Raleigh Heights Trail is to the east of the mountain, which is northwest of Reno.
