Mt. Rose is a newly established wilderness area northeast of Lake Tahoe in the state of Nevada. Access to this scenic area can be obtained from the Mt. Rose Highway (Hwy. 431). A wilderness permit is not required at this time. A campfire permit is required. For more information call Toiyabe National Forest, Carson Ranger District at (775) 882-2766.
How to Reach Trailheads:
There are four trails recognized within the
Mt. Rose Wilderness. The only trail in the northern portion of
the wilderness is the Hunter Creek Trail. Access to this
trailhead is under negotiation so please call the Carson District
Office for current instructions, (775) 882-2766.
To reach the Thomas Creek Trail you will need a four-wheel-drive
vehicle. Take Timberline Road off the Mt. Rose Highway (State
Route 431). After traveling 1.1 miles the road will cross a bridge
and go in three directions - you want the road farthest to the
right. Follow this road 3.7 miles to the trailhead.
The Jones Creek/Whites Creek Loop Trail has two trailheads.
The easiest to access is in the north picnic area of Galena Creek
Park. Galena Creek Park is located on State Route 431 and Highway
395. The other trailhead is located in Whites Canyon. Go 9/10
of a mile up Timberline Road off the Mt. Rose Highway (State Route
431). Just before you cross the first bridge you will see a break
in the fence on the left side of the road. There will be signs
on the fence post indicating that forest lies beyond the fence.
You will need a four-wheel-drive vehicle with high clearance to
travel this road. The trailhead is at the top of this road.
The most popular trail in the Mt. Rose Wilderness is the Mt
Rose Trail. This trailhead is located on State Route 431 approximately
1/8 mile west of the Mt. Rose Campground turnoff. This trail ends
at the top of Mt. Rose at an elevation of 10,774 feet.
The Ophir Creek Trail is in the area but not in the wilderness.
One of its two trailheads is located at the west end of Tahoe
Meadows off Highway 431 about a mile west of the Mt. Rose Campground
turn off. Look for private property signs on the west side of
the road next to a dirt driveway. The trail starts across the
road from here. There is some limited parking on the south side
of the highway. The other trailhead is located in Davis Creek
Park. Approximately 17 miles south of Reno on Highway 395. Take
the old 395 turnoff and follow the signs to Davis Creek Park.
Mount Rose Wilderness
Toiyabe National Forest
Carson Ranger District
(775) 882-2766
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* Campfire permits are required for all campfires
and cookstoves.
* Camp 100 feet or more away from lakes or streams
* Motorized vehicles and equipment are prohibited.
* Mechanized equipment is prohibited. This includes bicycles,
deer carts, and strollers.
* Many trails cross privately owned land. Please respect the rights
and privacy of the landowners.
* When planning a trip into the wilderness, contact the Carson
Ranger District for more information concerning low impact camping.
Many thanks to Karel Todd for her research!
Text courtesy of the US Department of Agriculture, US Forest Service.