Mount Rose Summit
Experience breathtaking Lake Tahoe views from the highest year-round mountain pass in the Sierras, offering hiking and world-class skiing.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Escape Reno heat, wildflowers bloom
Mount Rose Summit
Best Time
Escape Reno heat, wildflowers bloom
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience breathtaking Lake Tahoe views from the highest year-round mountain pass in the Sierras, offering hiking and world-class skiing.
"The views of Tahoe, the variety of flowers in the summertime and the ability to get out of the Reno heat make this a favorite summer hike!"
🥾 Sturdy Hiking Shoes Needed
The trail has good condition but requires good footwear for the elevation gain and varied terrain.
💧 Hydration is Key
Bring a full water bottle, especially during summer hikes. High altitude can dehydrate you quickly.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mount Rose Summit
Summit
Reach 10,778 feet for breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Tahoe and Washoe Valley.
Hunter Creek Waterfall
First 2 miles of the trail
A beautiful cascade offering a refreshing stop and picturesque scenery on your way up.
Lake Tahoe Views
Various points along the trail and summit
Experience iconic vistas of the sparkling blue waters of Lake Tahoe from high above.
Winter Ski Resort
Mount Rose Ski Tahoe
One of the first Lake Tahoe resorts to open, offering thrilling slopes and snowy adventures.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Ascent
Trail Conditions & Gear
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Sturdy Hiking Shoes Needed
The trail has good condition but requires good footwear for the elevation gain and varied terrain.
💧 Hydration is Key
Bring a full water bottle, especially during summer hikes. High altitude can dehydrate you quickly.
☀️ Summit Views are Worth It
The 10-mile hike with 2,395 ft elevation gain offers incredible Lake Tahoe views.
❄️ Winter Wonderland
Mount Rose Ski Tahoe is often the first resort to open, offering great snow conditions.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Sturdy Hiking Shoes Needed
The trail has good condition but requires good footwear for the elevation gain and varied terrain.
💧 Hydration is Key
Bring a full water bottle, especially during summer hikes. High altitude can dehydrate you quickly.
☀️ Summit Views are Worth It
The 10-mile hike with 2,395 ft elevation gain offers incredible Lake Tahoe views.
❄️ Winter Wonderland
Mount Rose Ski Tahoe is often the first resort to open, offering great snow conditions.
📸 Capture the Scenery
The views from the summit are epic, especially at sunrise.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Mount Rose Summit for its stunning Lake Tahoe views and well-maintained hiking trails, with the waterfall being a delightful early highlight. The challenging elevation gain is noted, but the panoramic summit vistas are widely considered worth the effort. In winter, it's a top choice for its early opening and excellent snow conditions.
"It is a good elevation gain, the trail is in good condition, the water crossing is super chill, nice waterfall in the first 2 miles, and awesome views at the summit."
Tina Nguyen
"This beautiful and moderately difficult hike yields gorgeous views of Lake Tahoe and the wildlife. The hike to the summit is about 5.5 miles. About 2 miles into the hike, you will reach a beautiful waterfall. Bring a full water bottle and your hiking shoes and enjoy the adventure!"
Jaimie Crumley
"Nice place to park your vehicle to embark on the TRT. Great views coming down into the basin."
Ed “TahoeEd” Miller
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mount Rose Summit is accessible via Highway 431 (Mt. Rose Highway) connecting Reno to Lake Tahoe. It's a scenic drive with parking available at the trailhead for hikers and at the ski resort for winter activities.
Highway 431 is generally open year-round, but it's crucial to check road conditions, especially during winter months, as it can be subject to closures due to snow.
Yes, Mount Rose Ski Resort has ample parking facilities for visitors looking to ski, snowboard, or access winter trails.
The main trailhead for the Mount Rose Summit hike is located off Highway 431. There's a parking area available, but it can fill up quickly on busy days.
Public transportation options directly to Mount Rose Summit are limited. Driving is the most common and convenient way to access the area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, hiking the Mount Rose Summit trail is free and does not require an entrance ticket. However, if you plan to ski or snowboard at Mount Rose Ski Tahoe, lift tickets are required.
Mount Rose Ski Tahoe typically opens in late November and operates daily through spring. Hours vary, so it's best to check their official website for current operating times.
Parking at the Mount Rose Summit trailhead is generally free. However, it's a popular spot, so arriving early is recommended, especially on weekends.
Yes, you can typically purchase ski lift tickets for Mount Rose Ski Tahoe online in advance, which can sometimes offer savings.
The waterfall is part of the hiking trail and does not have a separate fee. Access to the trail is free.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The hike to Mount Rose Summit is approximately 5.5 miles one-way, with an elevation gain of about 2,395 feet. It can take anywhere from 3 to 6 hours roundtrip, depending on your pace and how long you spend at the summit.
Mount Rose Summit stands at an elevation of 10,778 feet (3,285 meters) above sea level.
Restroom facilities are typically available at the Mount Rose Ski Tahoe resort base area, which is near the trailhead. There are no facilities directly on the hiking trail itself.
The trail is considered moderately difficult due to the elevation gain. While an 'average' hiker can complete it, some training might be beneficial. Beginners might find the first few miles to the waterfall more manageable.
From the summit, you'll get stunning panoramic views of Lake Tahoe, Washoe Valley, and the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains. +1
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise offers dramatic lighting and fewer crowds, while sunset provides a warm glow over Lake Tahoe. Midday can be harsh but still offers clear, expansive views.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast landscapes. Consider a telephoto lens for distant details of Lake Tahoe. Don't forget a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions.
The summit itself offers the most expansive views. Along the trail, the waterfall and various overlooks provide excellent photo opportunities.
Drone usage may be restricted in certain areas, especially near the ski resort and wilderness areas. Always check local regulations before flying a drone.
Snow-covered peaks, the ski resort slopes, and frozen waterfalls offer unique photographic subjects during winter.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the full summit hike might be challenging for very young children due to the elevation gain and length, families can enjoy shorter excursions or simply visit the ski resort area for winter fun. 💰 Budget Travelers
🏃♀️ Trail Runners & Fitness Enthusiasts
Many runners use the trail for long-distance training, with some tackling the full summit or even longer traverses like the one to Spooner Summit. The varied terrain and stunning scenery make for an exhilarating running experience. Be mindful of the altitude and ensure you are properly hydrated and acclimatized. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Hiking the Mount Rose Summit Trail
Many hikers describe the ascent as strenuous but incredibly worthwhile, with the first couple of miles featuring a beautiful waterfall and lush scenery. Key Takeaways for Hikers:
* Elevation Gain: Be prepared for a significant climb.
* Trail Condition: Generally good, but can be rocky in sections.
* Water Crossings: There are water crossings, but they are usually manageable.
* Shade: Limited shade on the upper portions of the trail, so sun protection is crucial.
Many users on platforms like TikTok and Instagram share their hiking experiences, often highlighting the breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe as the ultimate reward.
+1 It's a hike that tests your endurance but offers unparalleled natural beauty in return. Mount Rose Ski Tahoe: A Winter Playground
Winter Highlights:
* Early Opening: Often the first resort to open in Tahoe.
* Snow Conditions: Known for excellent snow quality.
* Terrain Variety: Suitable for all skill levels.
Social media content frequently showcases the excitement of the ski season at Mount Rose, with videos featuring fresh powder, long groomers, and the general thrill of winter sports.
Capturing the Beauty: Photography at Mount Rose
Sunrise and sunset are particularly magical times, bathing the landscape in golden light and creating dramatic silhouettes. Beyond the summit, the Hunter Creek Waterfall provides a beautiful foreground element for shots, especially in spring and early summer when water flow is strong.
During the summer months, the meadows along the trail burst with wildflowers, adding vibrant colors to your photographs. Photography Tips:
* Golden Hours: Aim for sunrise or sunset for the best light.
* Wide-Angle Lens: Essential for capturing the expansive vistas.
* Weather Preparedness: Be ready for changing conditions, which can add dramatic flair to your photos.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit