Not for the faint of heart, Mt. Rose is one of the tallest peaks in the Lake Tahoe area and offers several challenging day hike options with trailheads ranging from Relay Ridge all the way down to Galena and Reno. Hikers gain as much as 2100 feet in elevation along the journey, with trails ranging in 2-7 miles long. Winter hikes take considerably longer time as opposed to other times of the year.
Camping overnight is common, and while no climb permits are necessary, overnight campfire permits are a requirement. Hikers need adhere to safety guidelines while camping with a campfire and food should be safely stored, as bears are very common in this area.
Extraordinary views are seen year-round, with Relay Ridge overlooking Incline Village, Truckee, and stretching as far as the Nevada valley floor. Hikers take in a brilliant color palette of wildflowers in the summer months. 360 degree views are seen from the highest peak. Hikers know they’ve reached the top when there’s nowhere left to go, but the eye can wander into a seemingly endless horizon of the area’s beauty.