Mt Rose Pass in Nevada

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Mt Rose Pass

Take the Mt. Rose Highway from Lake Tahoe, over Mt. Rose Pass and on to Reno, Nevada, for five-star views, alpine meadows and with access to plenty of outdoor recreation.

  • Mt. Rose Highway runs from Lake Tahoe to Reno through the Sierras
  • This scenic drive is 23.5 miles one-way (40 minutes)
  • Stop in Incline Village to find some exciting water sports
  • Bike to Galena Creek Country Park on the Flume Trail
  • Hike to Mt. Rose on the Mt. Rose Trail

Overview

North of Lake Tahoe, you can catch the Mount Rose Highway, or Nevada State Route 431, which takes you to Mt. Rose Pass at 8,911 feet in elevation, perhaps the highest pass open all year in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. For incredible vistas and some thrilling backcountry adventures, this scenic drive can’t be beat.

Driving Directions

Mt. Rose Highway begins as Route 431 in Incline Village on the northeast shore of Lake Tahoe. Follow this route over Mt. Rose Pass and to its junction with Highway 395.

Time/Distance

The drive is about 23.5 miles and takes approximately 40 minutes one way.

Highlights

  • Incline Village
    Surrounded by natural beauty, this magnificent mountain town in the High Sierra is a great stop for all kinds of activities, including hiking, water sports and backcountry adventures.
  • Mt. Rose Wilderness
    Here you’ll find 28,000 acres of wilderness to explore. Getting out into the backcountry of the mountains, you’ll find wildlife, forests and snow-capped peaks.
  • Tahoe Meadows
    Access the wilderness lands via the Tahoe Rim Trail, which you can find at Tahoe Meadows. Pedal the Flume Trail to Galena Creek Country Park.
  • Hiking
    Besides a number of trails around Lake Tahoe, you’ll discover four trails in Mt. Rose Wilderness that will give you the best of hiking through these forests. Hike to Mt. Rose on the Mt. Rose Trail for incredible views. All the trails are accessible from Mt. Rose Highway, but some require a four-wheel vehicle to get to the trailhead.
  • Winter Activities
    There are a number of ski resorts off this scenic byway, allowing you to get out into the white Sierra landscapes for winter fun. Choose Diamond Peak Cross Country Ski Resort or Mt. Rose Ski Resort.