Mt Rose

Photos Maps Summary: Mt Rose (10,776') represents the highest Tahoe Basin peak with a maintained trail despite being only the third tallest in the basin. The views from the summit are great, with the view of Lake Tahoe being especially spectacular. Wildflowers can be found in the meadow along Galena Creek where there is also a waterfall. The large trailhead parking lot can accommodate many, but try and arrive early to ensure a spot since it serves several trails including the Tahoe Rim Trail. There is a longer option for this hike, but the shorter route is shown here.Distance: 9.7 miles round-tripElevation Gain/Loss: 2,200' totalSeason: July through OctoberFees & Permits: None for dayhikersFinding the Trailhead: 39.3128 N, 119.8975 W. From the US-395/NV431/341 intersection in the southern part of Reno, follow NV-431 west and southwest for ~16.3 miles to the Mt Rose Summit (a pass) parking lot off the western side of the highway. The trail begins off the southern end of the parking lot (south of the restrooms).

The Hike: From the southern end of the Mt Rose Summit parking lot, walk to the southwest and immediately take the trail to the right (uphill) rather than the trail (TRT) straight ahead which parallels highway 431. You should see a map board here. The trail traverses the hillside on the southern side of the ridge before crossing over the ridge and traversing the eastern side of Tamarack Peak. Along this section are some views down the Mt Rose Highway and over Tamarack Lake. When the trail reaches the northern flanks of Tamarack Peak it turns to the west and arrives at the southern branch of Galena Creek at ~2.3 miles from the trailhead. Here, there is a nice waterfall that usually flows into August but not always with much flow. The trail continues north through the meadow and reaches the northern branch of the creek at ~2.55 miles as well as the old Mt Rose trail (also known as the Galena Creek Trail) coming in from the west. Proceeding to the right, the trail offers good views down the Galena Creek Canyon. As the trail climbs to the northeast, there are nice views looking to the south and back to the southwest. The trail follows a drainage uphill and at ~3.65 miles it turns right at the junction of the Bronco Creek trail near the border between the Mt Rose Wilderness and Toiyabe National Forest. Here, the trail begins the final ascent towards the Mt Rose summit. Along this section, the views begin to open up to the northwest towards Stampede Reservoir and to the west towards Lake Tahoe. The trail approaches the summit from the northwest. At the summit there are some rock outcroppings, where it is a good idea to take shelter from the wind as you recover from the climb and enjoy the 360 degree views. It's always a good idea to bring plenty of clothing and a good wind-breaker here because it is always cold.