The Mount Rose ski, wilderness and hiking area of the Carson Range that borders the West side of Reno can be seen everywhere in the city. The summit of Mount Rose is 9,700 feet and Mount Rose Ski Tahoe's highest elevation is 8,260 feet. The mountain is about 30 miles south of downtown Reno and includes a ski resort, numerous hiking trails and views of Reno, Carson City and Lake Tahoe.
Parking and public transportation at Mount Rose
The Mount Rose Ski Tahoe resort is actually located on Slide Mountain, but has a great view of Mount Rose right behind it. There is parking for more than 200 vehicles for the resort and a shuttle to the East Bowl part of the resort. Parking for the Mount Rose Summit hike has space for about 30 cars, but there is also parking along the side of the road just after the Mount Rose Highway pass.
Best and worst time go to Mount Rose
The best time to hit the slopes at the ski resort is in the winter after a snowstorm. This is usually in December, January and February. The best time to hike the Mount Rose summit is after the snow at the top has melted. June through October are the best months. Avoid going over the Mount Rose Highway during a snowstorm. It is steep and dangerous and is sometimes closed due to lack of visibility.
Admission to Mount Rose
Full day lift tickets to the ski resort are around $89 per adult. The resort also has beginner tickets and rental packages as well as discount days. All of the Mount Rose trails are free.
Must see/do at Mount Rose
The top of the Mount Rose Highway summit is a great place to go sledding in the winter. On the south side of the highway, in the Mount Rose Meadows, there are some great sledding hills that are away from the road and traffic. Look for the stone bathroom on the south side of the road.
Other places to visit near Mount Rose
Just over the summit is the small town of Incline Village. The village sits right on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe and has some great restaurants including the Lone Eagle Grille at the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe.
Insider tip for visitors to Mount Rose
There is actually a small campground right at the summit of Mount Rose. The campground features 23 sites and sits at 9,300 feet. The campground was closed for several years for rehabilitation and was recently reopened in June of 2015.
Author's bio: Christina Nellemann lives and writes in the Reno area and looks out at Mount Rose every day. She's thrilled when the summit is still sporting snow.
