Coming Up Roses

Hiking Mt. Rose Summit in Lake Tahoe

Looking to spice up your hiking life? Give your partner a rose—Mount Rose! The 10-mile out-and-back peak hike goes up to one of the grandest views in all of Lake Tahoe. Get ready for a solid hiking day!

The first few miles are a nice steady incline traversing sagebrush, lodgepole, and whitebark pines. At 2.5 miles a waterfall makes a nice place to stop, catch your breath, and peer up at your goal: the 10,778-foot summit. In total, you’ll gain 2,425 feet, so take your time!

Walk through a broad meadow filled with willows, wildflowers, and mule ears before starting the final push uphill through rocky switchbacks. It can be a huff and puff, but the Sierra Nevada scenery keeps you inspired: The views get better and better as you ascend. The peak welcomes you with a ridge traverse and jumble of shale and rock walls stacked to block the wind.

If you have a clear day you’ll see out to Lake Tahoe and other majestic peaks like Mount Tallac and Pyramid Peak. Reno and the Truckee Meadows are also easily visible, as are other smaller lakes. Take a selfie in front of the summit sign, high-five your hiking partner, and celebrate the most beautiful rose in Tahoe!

TIP: Find more adventures around Reno Tahoe.

Park at the Mount Rose Summit Trailhead on Hwy. 431 (map). Go early as the parking lot fills up quickly on weekends. Follow the Mount Rose Trail all the way up to the summit and back. Dog-friendly!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Gentle Giants

    Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers both....

    View
  2. Screaming Good Garden

    Combine a classic scary movie backdrop and life-size elephant garden sculptures in beautiful downtown Sonoma.

    View
  3. A Hike to the Past

    This 5.2-mile redwoods hike through El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space combines a relaxing stroll with unique geologic formations and historical artifacts.

    View
  4. Golden Mile

    Dubbed the Golden Mile, this car-free stretch of road in Golden Gate Park features rotating art installations of murals, sculptures, and abundant bright yellow Adirondack chairs for kicking back to relax. See Naga, the recent new addition here, an impressive sea serpent art installation at Golden Gate Park's Rainbow

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Chase Fall Colors & Family Fun in Reno Tahoe

    Ready to Reno? We’re so with you! Reno Tahoe is the ultimate urban basecamp for gathering family and friends for all kinds of fall fun and festivities.

    View
  2. Welcome to the Ice Age

    Only in LA can you stumble upon a lake of bubbling black goo right in the middle of the city—complete with a life-size family of mammoths frozen in time. Take a whiff and you’ll catch the unmistakable scent of asphalt: Yep, you’ve made it to the La Brea Tar Pits & Museum.

    View
  3. Griffith's Golden

    With over 4,200 acres and hundreds of trails, Griffith Park is the gold standard. Opt for the lesser-hiked northwestern end of the park and visit the 2.25-mile Skyline and Oak Canyon loop from Travel Town.

    View
  4. Mulholland's Most Majestic

    Take a leisurely drive along Mulholland Drive to discover beautiful urban scenery and unexpected wild beauty, right in the middle of the city. 

    View