Carson Valley Destination Guide

Carson Valley Transportation

The Carson Valley area is about 15 minutes south of Reno on I-395. The nearest airport is Reno/Tahoe International Airport which has flights daily from most major airlines. The airport is off of I-395, so a short drive south goes directly to Carson City and south through the rest of the Valley. I-395 also brings drivers from Northern California. An exit onto I-395 from I-80 can bring commuters from Salt lake City and the Bay Area. From Las Vegas, however, there is no major highway. Drivers from Vegas will have to follow a combination of U.S. and state highways to reach the Reno/Tahoe area.

Carson Valley FAQ

1. What makes up the Carson Valley?

East of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and west of the Pine Nut Mountains is a narrow valley that is often overlooked because of its proximity to Lake Tahoe and Reno. Carson City is on the northern edge of the area and smaller towns of Genoa and Minden follow the valley south.

2. Is there gambling in the Carson Valley?

Yes, but you won't be fooled into thinking the Carson Valley is Las Vegas. The area, reminiscent of the "Wild West," keeps its image unassuming and modest. At least when compared to Las Vegas or Reno. In Carson City there aren't the name brand casinos that are everywhere else in Nevada. Here you can visit smaller casinos like Artichoke's Poker Palace, Silver Dollar Casino and the Carson Horseshoe club. There are several hotel casinos here including a Station Hotel and Casino and the Carson Nugget.

3. What is the Divine Nine?

They are the nine public golf courses of the Carson Valley. Together they make Carson Valley a popular golf destination and offer packages that allow golfers to play any of the nine courses. The Divine Nine is made up of the Carson Valley Golf Club, Dayton Valley Golf Club, two courses at Eagle Valley, Empire Ranch, The Golf Club at Genoa Lakes, Sierra Nevada Golf Ranch, Silver Oak, and Sunridge.

4. What are some of the more upscale courses in the Divine Nine?

The Golf Club at Genoa Lakes and the Sierra Nevada golf Ranch are the two courses widely recognized as the two finest in the area. Genoa Lakes recently underwent an $8 million renovation and the John Harbottle and Peter Jacobson course is now the best in the Carson valley area. The Sierra Nevada Golf Ranch is a western-themed course designed by John Harbottle and Johnny Miller and is also highly regarded even though thematically different from Genoa Lakes.

5. What other attractions are there in the Carson Valley?

Once you are in the western mood, you can head over to the Ponderosa Ranch. Here, the set of TV's Bonanza is brought to life in theme park form. From the full-scale studio city to the variety and stunt shows, the Ponderosa Ranch ropes in plenty of visitors.