It looks like I will be in Reno in late October and I might have a chance to get in one day of hiking - assuming I can find a red-eye flight home on Saturday night.

Any recommendations on something close - within, say 2 hours of the airport? A summit with a Class 2 scramble/Class 3 would be great.

I did Middle Sister as a dayhike out of Reno in late October. Makes for a fairly long day, but well worth it.

http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/152736/middle-sister-ca-nv-.html

Mt Tallac on the West side of Tahoe fits the bill. I'd say just head into Desolation Valley and find something to scramble. There are a decent number of peaks there worth the effort.

I've done Mt Rose, and quite frankly it's boring. Middle Sister was alright, but if you're not a County Highpoint chaser I don't see much point in doing it.

For solitude, check out this hike: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/620050/Mount-Siegel-and-Galena-Peaks.html

It is just under 2 hours.

If you want a short drive into the Mount Rose Wilderness, Snowflower Peak is wonderful.
It is a much cooler hike than Mount Rose: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/517070/Mount-Snowflower.html