Explore the elevation of Reno—situated over 4,500 feet above sea level in northwestern Nevada, near the Sierra Nevada mountains. Reno, known as “The Biggest Little City in the World,” blends a vibrant casino scene with stunning nearby natural attractions like Lake Tahoe and snow-capped peaks.
Table of Contents
Where is Reno?
- Location: Reno is located in the western part of Nevada, near the California border, nestled at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
City Profile
- Nicknames: Affectionately called "The Biggest Little City in the World".
- Population: Around 250,000 residents in the city, with nearly 470,000 in the Reno–Sparks metropolitan area.
- Landscape: A desert region with lush greenery and access to Lake Tahoe.
- Tourism focus: Known for gambling, casinos, and nightlife, but also a gateway to outdoor adventures.
Elevation Basics
- City elevation: Reno sits at an elevation of 4,505.6 feet (1,373 m) above sea level.
- State comparison: Nevada's average elevation is 5,500 feet (1,520 m), making Reno slightly lower but still elevated.
- City founding: Established in 1868 as a mining settlement, later becoming a hub for business and agriculture.
- Gambling history: Legalized in 1931, gambling transformed Reno into a bustling entertainment destination.
- Corporate origins: Birthplace of Harrah’s Entertainment, now known as Caesars Entertainment.
- Modern appeal: Offers casinos, resorts, and nightlife, alongside skiing, museums, and nature.
- Nearby attractions: Lake Tahoe, ski resorts, National Automobile Museum, Animal Ark.
Must-Know Elevation Facts
- Comparison to other cities: Reno is significantly higher than:
- Las Vegas – 2,001 feet (610 m)
- Henderson – 1,867 feet (538 m)
- State average proximity: Reno's elevation is close to Nevada's average, within about 1,000 feet.
- Mountain impact: Nevada’s high elevation is due to extensive mountain ranges like the Sierra Nevada, just west of Reno.
- Tallest building: The Silver Legacy Resort & Casino is the tallest structure in Reno at 410 feet (120 m).
- Highest point in Nevada: Boundary Peak – 13,147 feet (4,007 m), part of the White Mountains.
- Lowest point in Nevada: The Colorado River – 481 feet (147 m).
Climate and Tourism
- Climate type: Reno has a semi-arid steppe climate with limited rainfall and plenty of sunshine.
- Annual rainfall: Around 7.5 inches of rain per year, due to the Sierra Nevada rain shadow.
- Sunshine: Receives approximately 300 sunny days annually.
- Seasonality: Warm-to-hot summers and brief winters—ideal for year-round outdoor recreation.
- Entertainment: Hotels, casinos, nightlife, and live shows similar to Las Vegas, but in a more compact, mountain-adjacent setting.
- Natural beauty: Close to Lake Tahoe, ski resorts, and mountain hiking—offering a mix of urban fun and outdoor escape.
Plan Your Trip