Virginia City is located 25 miles from downtown Reno and 18 miles from Carson City, the State Capitol. Nearby is the historic town of Dayton on the Carson River. Also located within the historic district are the villages of Silver City and Gold Hill where a visit the Gold Hill Hotel with a charming saloon and great restaurant is a must see. The area was the site of the fabulous Comstock Lode and Big Bonanza mining boom. The hillsides are dotted with relics from the mining era. The town itself has many Victorian mansions and buildings. The main street for Virginia City is C Street where you can find museums, saloons, restaurants and shops. The extensive Silver Terrance Cemetery is north of town. Piper's Opera House offers many entertainments and is located on B Street near the center of town. The south end of C Street is anchored by the Historic Fourth Ward School Museum - another attraction not be missed.. The Virginia and Truckee Railroad runs during the season. The altitude of Virginia City is 6200 feet. This is considered high desert with pinion and juniper trees outlining the many hillsides. Virginia City boasts clean air and blue skies and is usually cooler than Reno by about 10 degrees. Although it sometimes snows during the winter, it does not stay around for long.