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Mt. Rose Summit Trail

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
 4.2 (29)
  1. Areas
  2. NV
  3. …Lake Tahoe Area, Reno, Carson City
  4. Lake Tahoe
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“One of the most popular summits in Nevada - and deservedly so! ”

Nick Wilder
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Map Key

10.1

Miles

16.2

KM

Out and Back

10,725' 3,269 m

High

8,921' 2,719 m

Low

2,109' 643 m

Up

2,108' 643 m

Down

8%

Avg Grade (5°)

29%

Max Grade (16°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Views · Wildflowers

Overview

Standing tall to the north of Lake Tahoe, the views from the third-highest peak around the lake are superb. And as you finish the hot, steep summit, you'll wish you could dive right into the serene lake below!

Description

From the often-crowded parking lot on Mount Rose highway, easily traverse the hillside with lovely flowers and grasses. Pass right under the steep slopes of Tamarack Peak on your left. Though forested, there are plenty of breaks in the trees to appreciate the view.

Head downhill for a while, pass a waterfall, and make your way towards Galena Creek. Many waterfalls and wildflowers grace the next section, and this is one of the more pleasant and easy sections of this hike.

And now for the hard part! Cross the second branch of Galena Creek and immediately start the climb up Mount Rose, which won't let up until you hit the summit. In early to midsummer, this is one of the best places for wildflowers in all of Nevada, so make sure to take a break from the slog upwards.

Take a right when you get to the Rim to Reno Trail and take many switchbacks up the final climb to the summit. This section is strenuous, but the effort will all pay off at the top. Enjoy the stunning views of entire Tahoe basin!

Once you've had your fill of the incredible scenery, head back the way that you came to return to the trailhead and your car.

Flora & Fauna

Remarkable wildflowers can be seen in the Galena Creek area when the season is right.

Shared By:

Nick Wilder
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.2 from 29 votes

#1

in Lake Tahoe

#517

Overall
  4.2 from 29 votes
5 Star
41%
4 Star
48%
3 Star
7%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
3%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Lake Tahoe

#7

in Nevada

#517

Overall
21 Views Last Month
12,914 Since Aug 12, 2016
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
0%
4%
20%
16%
60%
0%
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Photos

Mount Rose's summit, 9:15 AM in October. Easy climb and great vista.
Oct 13, 2016 near Incline…, NV
Mount Rose and its namesake summit trail seen from Church Peak.
Aug 15, 2016 near Incline…, NV
Trekking pole pock marks guide your path on a winter ascent of Mt. Rose.
Aug 15, 2016 near Incline…, NV
Lake Tahoe from Mount Rose summit.
Aug 15, 2016 near Incline…, NV
Captivating views of Mt. Rose grace all visitors on the Rim to Reno Trail.
Aug 15, 2016 near Incline…, NV
Wildflowers along the trail.
Aug 20, 2017 near Incline…, NV

1 Comment

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Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 98 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Jul 4, 2024
Jamie Perez
Aug 19, 2023
Jesse Manton
Nov 10, 2022
AZ Claimjumper
Bring your MicroSpikes, Mt Rose is snow capped
Jun 25, 2021
Atsuko Ohtake
Oct 16, 2020
Sabrina Tavella-Burka
Highest peak we climbed in our lives
Sep 22, 2020
Mike Morley
4h 15m
Sep 2, 2020
Private User
Jun 2, 2020
David Martinez

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