Wild West Day Trip from Lake Tahoe with Train Ride
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out
From $85.00
Free cancellation
Up to 24 hours in advance. Learn more
Safety measures
7 hours (approx.)
Pickup from select hotels
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Good for avoiding crowds
Explore our promoted experiences
Operators have paid Viator more to have their experiences featured here
Overview
Go back in time to the old Wild West on this tour from South Lake Tahoe to Virginia City, Nevada, including a train ride on the Virginia & Truckee Railroad. With a guide, you’ll start your day trip by minibus, driving along part of the Pony Express. When you reach Virginia City, a National Historic Landmark District, take a 6.5-mile round-trip train ride before enjoying free time in town to explore at your leisure, perhaps visiting museums or a historical saloon.
- Travel along part of the Pony Express trail to Nevada’s oldest city
- Take a ride on the Virginia & Truckee Railroad
- Visit museums and historic mansions, if you wish (own expense)
- Learn about the region’s geology, history and wildlife from a knowledgeable guide
Saved to wishlist!
Your day trip begins as you depart South Lake Tahoe with your driver/guide by minibus, with seats that recline and large windows that provide views of the mountain scenery during the approximate 90-minute drive across the state line to Virginia City, Nevada.
During the drive, which passes through Carson City, Nevada’s state capital, listen to commentary from your guide about the area’s local animal life, plant life, geology and mining history during the days of the Wild West. Travel along a portion of the old Pony Express, the route from the 1860s that transported mail across the United States, before arriving in Virginia City, which began when the country’s first major silver deposit was discovered.
Hop off the minibus at the Virginia & Truckee Railroad station for your 6.5-mile (10.5-km) round-trip train ride that takes you to the town of Gold Hill and back. During the journey, learn about the history of the railroad, which dates back to 1869. After your train ride, you have about 2.5 hours of free time in Virginia City to spend at your leisure. Explore the historic district, listed on the US National Register of Historic Places, and admire 19th-century buildings that line Main Street like the opera house and historical saloons like the St. Mary in the Mountains Catholic Church. Perhaps check out a museum or two, such as The Way It Was Museum or Mark Twain Museum, or have lunch at a local eatery, such as the Delta Saloon. (All entrance fees, food and drinks are at your own expense.)
At the end of your free time, re-board the minibus for the return drive to South Lake Tahoe, where your day trip ends.
During the drive, which passes through Carson City, Nevada’s state capital, listen to commentary from your guide about the area’s local animal life, plant life, geology and mining history during the days of the Wild West. Travel along a portion of the old Pony Express, the route from the 1860s that transported mail across the United States, before arriving in Virginia City, which began when the country’s first major silver deposit was discovered.
Hop off the minibus at the Virginia & Truckee Railroad station for your 6.5-mile (10.5-km) round-trip train ride that takes you to the town of Gold Hill and back. During the journey, learn about the history of the railroad, which dates back to 1869. After your train ride, you have about 2.5 hours of free time in Virginia City to spend at your leisure. Explore the historic district, listed on the US National Register of Historic Places, and admire 19th-century buildings that line Main Street like the opera house and historical saloons like the St. Mary in the Mountains Catholic Church. Perhaps check out a museum or two, such as The Way It Was Museum or Mark Twain Museum, or have lunch at a local eatery, such as the Delta Saloon. (All entrance fees, food and drinks are at your own expense.)
At the end of your free time, re-board the minibus for the return drive to South Lake Tahoe, where your day trip ends.
Itinerary
Traveler Photos



See More


See More
Traveler Tips
- "If you're interested in mining history the train is fine, but other than that I would recommend taking the trolley instead, you get to see more." See review
- "Great to not have to drive and be able to view the scenery without worry." See review
Reviews by Viator travelers. We perform checks on reviews
Reviews
Why you are seeing these recommendations
Compare Similar Experiences
Current

Wild West Day Trip from Lake Tahoe with Train Ride
7 hours
Free Cancellation
From
$85.00
Why you are seeing these recommendations
Explore Similar Things to Do
Rail ToursBus ToursNature and Wildlife ToursFull-day ToursDay TripsDay Trips & ExcursionsOutdoor ActivitiesTours & SightseeingLake TahoeRail Tours - CaliforniaBus Tours - CaliforniaNature and Wildlife Tours - CaliforniaFull-day Tours - CaliforniaDay Trips - CaliforniaCategory
Emigrant Trail Museum Tours & TicketsSouth Lake Tahoe Tours & TicketsEl Dorado Wine Region Tours & TicketsVirginia and Truckee Railroad Tours & TicketsEagle Falls Tours & TicketsHeavenly Gondola Tours & TicketsTahoe National Forest Tours & TicketsVikingsholm Castle Tours & TicketsSand Harbor Tours & TicketsNorthstar Tours & Tickets
Why you are seeing these recommendations