Discovering the regions of Reno and Lake Tahoe does not need to be limited to the areas’ pristine hiking trails, beautiful ski slopes or lake outings. Some of the best ways to enjoy the scenery is through the region’s seemingly endless aerial outings. Skydiving, hot air balloon rides, hang gliding and helicopter rides all offer a unique way to take in all that Reno/Tahoe has to offer to short-term visitors and long-standing residents.
Skydiving Lake Tahoe
While some individuals may have skydiving on their to-do list for life, it is truly an experience in the Reno and Tahoe areas. Skydiving offers a
challenging way to take in both the mountain and lake scenery of the region from thousands of feet above the ground. Before skydiving, expert trainers prep participants. They will also be given the tools necessary to have a successful, thrilling jump.
Dive in Tandem
If you are new to skydiving, tandem jumps are where a certified trainer is harnessed to you and are often a requirement in most locations. Skydiving allows you to experience flying through the skies at up to 120 miles per hour, and take a little over an hour from start to finish. Companies that offer skydiving Reno and Tahoe activities include the following:
Reno Hot Air Balloon Rides
Another excellent way to experience the scenery of both Reno and Tahoe is through hot air balloon rides. Although there is less of an adrenaline rush than skydiving, hot air balloon rides offer a smooth sailing experience at 16 miles per hour over the course of three to four hours. Most tours will begin early in the morning and provide amazing views of the sunrise hundreds of miles away. Tours provide a romantic setting, but most can accommodate larger groups with a reservation. Companies that offer hot air balloon rides include:
Paragliding & Hang Gliding 
Similar to skydiving, hang gliding and paragliding offer a unique way to experience Reno and Lake Tahoe. Hang gliding mimics gliding through the air, but is controlled by a motorized glider controlled by a trained pilot. Most hang gliding tours start early in the morning, require mild weather with light wind conditions, and do not entail jumping out of a plane or off a cliff. Paragliding, however, is more of a free form fall, as the flyer is attached to a lightweight glider. This activity starts by launching from a high altitude. However, at times they require training and preparation prior to taking the leap. Companies that offer hang gliding or paragliding Reno and Tahoe activities include:
Helicopter Rides
Airplane and helicopter rides offer a laid back way to enjoy the beauty of Reno and Tahoe from the sky. Scenic tours offered to visitors and residents allow for up to six passengers to soar through the air over the course of an hour or less. Most helicopter rides provide noise cancelling headphones and clear, large windows to make the ride that much more enjoyable. Local companies that offer airplane or helicopter rides include:
If you’re looking for an interesting, unique way to take in the surrounding areas and beautiful scenery of Reno and Lake Tahoe, fly out of your comfort zone with an aerial experience you won’t soon forget.