To skip to the nuts and bolts of Hiking Mount Rose, click here.

The rock feels cold on my hands as I stare off into the distance. My mind is blank, empty, just enveloped in the moment. I’ve made it.The breeze brings a chill as the sweat evaporates off of my body. I breathe deeply. The sun’s strength is gaining, struggling against the increasing winds to wrap me in its warmth. I see the strip of trail across the valley, the lake off in the distance, and endless horizon of mountains and valleys below. Above me the sky stretches out with wispy clouds like fingers outstretched welcoming me into this beautiful day. In this moment I feel small. I am alive. It’s perfect.

“Ohhh come on, get up, we’re going.” Chirped Squirrel.

I looked out the window, the sun was rising over the vast beautiful blue gem that is Lake Tahoe. A chilly breeze lazily sauntered through the window. I pulled the covers up over my head for just a moment, took a few breaths, and reluctantly kicked it all away and hopped out of bed into the brisk morning air.

We pulled into the trail head around 7:20am and found the lot surprisingly full. I was worried that we showed up a bit too late. Once we got going I was pleasantly surprised to find the trail practically empty, passing only a small handful of people on the way up. The first several miles were gentle, relatively flat, and very beautiful.

I’m usually very excited to hike, but my head wasn’t in the game that morning. Hiking is more a mental game than it is a physical one. Sure, you need to be in relatively decent shape – ie be able to make forward progress, no matter your method. You’re capable of much more than you give yourself credit for. However, that day I made classic mental mistakes on the mountain.

The approach to this mountain is longer. Although the trail is easy and you can keep a good pace, it takes a minute to reach the base of this bad boy. I kept looking out into the distance thinking “Wow she’s so tall, and so far away.” which eventually leads to “Maybe not today.” or “I can’t do that.” Mentally the thoughts need to be in the moment, on the experience of where you are and your surroundings. Set small goals: I will make it to that rock, I will make it to that tree, I will make it to the next switchback. There have definitely been climbs where Squirrel and I have thrown our hands up and shouted in celebration at each switchback we’ve rounded. Enjoy where you are and what you are doing. Relish in each moment. Don’t get caught up in the destination. Hiking is about the path.

This trail head is pretty easy to spot and well marked. Right off of Mt Rose Highway (the 431). There are signs once you crest the ridge of the pass (coming from Reno it’s on your right). It’s paved and well marked with a huge trail head and toilets. The trail is just behind the building.

10 miles

It took us 5 hours round trip with about 1/2 hours worth of breaks. We are well seasoned high-altitude hikers and I was having an off day. Keep in mind the average pace is about 2 miles an hour. If you haven’t done much hiking at higher elevations build in more time for your hike.

This is the tallest peak in the Nevada side of Tahoe at 10,778′

1,867. Note that most of this gain is done in the last 2 to 2-1/2 miles.