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Wilderness Areas Around Lake Tahoe

Mount Rose Wilderness

Blue lakes, colorful wildflowers and a variety of wildlife are just a few attractions this wilderness has to offer. Nestled between the Sierra Nevada mountain range and the Great Basin is the 30,000 acre Mount Rose wilderness, named after the highest peak in the Carson Range. The Tahoe Rim Trail, a scenic trail that circles Lake Tahoe, runs for approximately 7 miles through the Mount Rose wilderness, and offers magnificent views of the Lake Tahoe Basin. The strenuous 12 mile round trip hike to the summit of Mount Rose (10,776 feet) is popular among those seeking a wilderness challenge. A great hiking alternative to Desolation Wilderness, the Mount Rose Wilderness offers great scenery and a memorable wilderness experience.

Special Information:

Maximum Group: 15 people and 25 head of stock

Permits: Wilderness permits are not required, but campfire permits are required for all open fires (including camp stoves). A campfire permit does not authorize the use of fire when fire restrictions are in effect. Please check the Current Conditions page or call the Carson Ranger Station or Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit for current fire restrictions.

Wilderness areas are special places where motorized and mechanized vehicles are prohibited (this includes motorcycles, bicycles, carts, and strollers). Please educate yourself and follow Wilderness Ethics.

Directions from Nevada

The Mount Rose Wilderness is located southwest of Reno, Nevada. Access is available from the Mount Rose Highway (Nevada Highway 431) at Timberline Road, Galena Creek County Park and Mount Rose Summit.

Maps and trail information are available at the Carson Ranger Station.

Nearest Nevada Towns: Reno and Incline Village

Highway 395 - Take Highway 395 north to the intersection of Highway 395 and Highway 50. Turn left onto Highway 50 and follow this highway to the intersection of Highway 50 and Highway 28. Turn right onto Highway 28 and follow the highway around Lake Tahoe until you get to Highway 431 on the north shore. Turn right onto Highway 431. You can access the Mt. Rose Wilderness at Mount Rose Summit, Galena Creek County Park, and Timberline Road.

Directions from California

Highway 50 - Take Highway 50 from Sacramento/Placerville to South Lake Tahoe. At the intersection of Highway 50 and 89, turn right and stay on Highway 50 (Lake Tahoe Boulevard). This will take you around the east shore of Lake Tahoe. Stay on Highway 50 until you reach the intersection of Highway 50 and 28 at Spooner Summit. Turn left on Highway 28 and continue to follow the highway around Lake Tahoe until you reach Highway 431 on the north shore. Turn right onto Highway 431. You can access the Mt. Rose Wilderness at Mount Rose Summit, Galena Creek County Park, and Timberline Road.

Highway 89 - Take Highway 89 north to the intersection of Highways 89 and 88. Go left and stay on Highway 89 for 5 miles. Then turn right to stay on Highway 89 toward South Lake Tahoe. When Highway 89 meets Highway 50, go straight and follow Highway 89 around the west shore of Lake Tahoe. In Tahoe City, turn right onto Highway 28 and then turn left onto Highway 431. Access is available from the Mount Rose Highway (Nevada Highway 431) at Mount Rose Summit, Galena Creek County Park, and Timberline Road.

Highway 88 - Take Highway 88 to the intersection of Highway 88 and 89. Turn left and follow Highway 88 until it becomes Highway 395 then follow the directions listed above for Highway 395.