I live in Sparks, Nevada which is just east of Reno. Both cities lie in the so-called Truckee Meadows, with the Truckee River flowing west to east, coming from Lake Tahoe and ending at Pyramid Lake just north of Sparks. Mountains surround the Truckee Meadows, with Peavine to the north and Mt.Rose to the west. Mt.Rose is the highest peak in the area, topping out at 10,766 feet above sea level.
Each year, many people make the thirteen mile round trip hike to the top of Mt.Rose. One can drive up to various trailheads to begin their hike, the most popular of which is on the Mt.Rose Highway at about the 8000 foot level. The first two miles of the trail is basically a fire road, enabling vehicles to access the forests of the High Sierra mountain range. At that point, one finds the Mt.Rose trailhead and proceeds across rocky terrain, passing through several alpine valleys (in bloom in summer) and then begins the 'huff and puff' climb up the trail, rising from the 9000 foot level and gaining altitude until you reach the peak. It's not a Sunday stroll in the park. You had best have good legs, lungs and heart. Bring food and water and dress sensibly.
The following are pictures from my annual climb up the Mt.Rose trail. It was an overcast day, so my apologies for the quality of the pictures, but I think you will get an idea of just what such a hike is like. The views are terrific, especially when you reach the top and can see 360 degrees, with the Truckee Meadows to the east, various resevoirs to the north, Lake Tahoe to the west, and Slide Mountain to the south. Click on any picture to see an enlarged view, and click Back to return to the text.
Come along with me on still another of the Yelavich Roads.....