To the Summit of Mount Rose July 12, 2012

                                      Me at Galena Falls

I returned to the Mt. Rose Summit without Nevada to hike to the top of Mt. Rose. The hike is strenuous: 10.8 miles round trip and over 2,000 feet of elevation gain. During the first two and a half miles the trail takes you by Galena Falls and a small creek which was a nice place to cool off. Vibrant blue lupine were prevalent along the creek bed. After two and a half miles the trail to the summit of Mt. Rose branches off the Tahoe Rim Trail. From this saddle, the trail switchbacks gaining altitude quickly. Make sure to wear a hat and sunscreen as the sun is intense at this elevation. High winds picked up near the summit. If you attempt to hike Mt. Rose in the spring or fall winds and cold temperatures are a major problem.

While on the  summit I talked to two very interesting guys: Harold and Kenny who lived in Carson, City. They were very interesting; having lived and worked in the Tahoe region throughout their lives. We had a spirited conversation about hiking in the west and conservation in the Tahoe Basin.

                         Lupine in wilderness

                                 More lupine pics

                     Looking toward Lake Tahoe near the summit

                      Looking north along the spine of the Carson Range

                     Me on top with Reno in the background

               Lake Tahoe with rocks in the foreground

                           Interesting clouds on top

                                Different colors of lichen on the summit