Mt. Rose

No one is certain about the origin of Mt. Rose's name-even whether it came from a man or a woman. But, we do know that Church Peak , the twin summit on this ridge, honors Dr. James Church of the University of Nevada who established the first high-altitude meteorological observatory here and developed the modern science of snow survey, which is used today. While here on Nevada turf, Mt. Rose, at 10,776 feet, is the highest point around Lake Tahoe.

Walk past the pit toilets to the trailhead, situated immediately behind them at the kiosk. Less than 100 feet past the trailhead is the hikers only trailhead for the Tahoe Rim Trail leading to the Mount Rose Summit Trail. The Tahoe Rim Trail Association supplies trail maps at the kiosk, which also reminds hikers of preferred wilderness practices.

Head uphill with a sharp turn at the kiosk and immediately take in the views to the South and West, where Lake Tahoe comes into view. In exactly one half mile, the trail will level out and conveniently enough, there is a tight formation of boulders shaded by pine, just perfect for applying the sunscreen that you forgot to in the parking lot. The broad, sandy, well-marked trail stays level, or nearly so, for the next 2 miles as you traverse to the northwest of Tamarack Peak. You may cross a couple of seasonal runoff streams as you get sneak peeks of Mount Rose at about 1.25 miles along, and in another half mile, you have a clear view of your destination as you walk along a steep slope.

At a well-defined fork in the trail, momentarily leave your route and take the left-hand path which leads over to a Rocky cascade. Here at the midpoint of the trail, you have a great opportunity to refill your water if necessary. Cross a stream on the boulders that have been placed there for you and then continue through this marshy area along the rock and gravel causeway. The trail continues north beneath a powerline and adjacent to large meadow with beautiful views down the canyon to the east. Just after you crash through the willows and lupine at the next stream, you'll see a junction where the Tahoe Rim Trail diverges from our route, and heads to Relay Peak. The trail marker pegs this as the halfway point of a 5.3 mile route.

From this intersection, we climb across one of Mt. Houghton's eastern flanks and then begin ascending the crease between it and Mount Rose. Climb these tree covered slopes, then cross to the North side of the ravine and resume hiking up to a saddle 400 feet above. Just before you reach the saddle, you will encounter the boundary sign for the Mount Rose Wilderness. At the saddle continue to walk around the west to reach the end of a ridge, which you will mount and hike to the northeast. Ignore the blocked off trail in that saddle leading to the northwest. It is a segment of the Mount Rose Trail leading to Davis Meadow.

Turn uphill to the right. The dirt and rock trail becomes somewhat scrabbly as it ascends the prominent ridge in a rather businesslike manner. After reaching the first switchback in one half mile, you may enjoy the chance to take in the scenery along with some extra oxygen. The switchbacks will lead you to a traverse of the northwest slope, where you will turn Southeast on the lower portion of the summit ridge. Three final switchbacks through the rocks carry you up to the ridge and a simple 250 foot walk to the summit.

Some shelters have been erected to protect you from the wind. The thousands of California tortoiseshell butterflies are apparently unaffected by these gusts. From your perch here, you should be able to see Boca, Stampede, and Prosser reservoirs to the northwest. Mt. Haughton and Relay Peak are visible to the southwest, and Washoe Lake is seen to the east.