Commercial Fixed Wing
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument
Confusion; Situational Awareness
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Inflight Event / Encounter CFTT / CFIT
Flight Crew FLC complied w / Automation / Advisory
Human Factors
On approach into Reno we set up for and requested the RNAV RNP Y 16L. ATC denied our request and extended our downwind until we could sight another aircraft to follow on final. With the airport; surrounding terrain; and traffic in sight; we were cleared the visual approach to 16L. Once on final after maneuvering; descending; and configuring; our aircraft ground proximity warning system alerted us of the rolling terrain below which we could also clearly see. We leveled off and even started a climb when the warnings ceased. We then continued our visual approach to an uneventful landing on 16L.Being cleared for an unexpected visual approach while on an extended downwind behind traffic in mountainous terrain at an unfamiliar airport. Perhaps briefing alternative approaches in the event ATC should deny our pre-planned approach.  Exploring and discussing other potential approach possibilities may have helped prepare us for the ATC visual clearance and to possibly avoid the terrain warning.
Air carrier flight crew reported receiving a GPWS alert while flying a visual approach into the RNO airport.