
An awe-inspiring road to Mount Rose Summit in Nevada
Usa, north-america
39.1 km
2,720 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, buckle up for the Mount Rose Summit, a real stunner sitting pretty at 8,923 feet in Washoe County, Nevada, practically hugging the California border! Named after an early settler, Jacob S. Rose, this spot is a must-see.
You'll cruise along State Route 431, also known as Mount Rose Highway or the Mt. Rose Scenic Drive—all 24.3 miles of it winding from Reno to Lake Tahoe. The road's fully paved, so no worries about needing a special vehicle.
Get ready for some hairpin curves on both sides of the summit and a few steep climbs, with gradients hitting up to 9%.
Nestled high in the Carson Range, those mountains east of Lake Tahoe, this pass is usually open year-round—though winter can throw a curveball with occasional closures. We're talking up to 400 inches of snow! If you're tackling this route in winter, keep an eye on the weather. Snow tires and chains are often a must.
But the real draw? The views! Alpine lakes, waterfalls, and those unforgettable Lake Tahoe vistas. The summit itself lords over northern Lake Tahoe and the Reno area. Expect company in summer, especially on weekends. You'll be treated to sights of Washoe Valley, Washoe Lake, Lake Tahoe Basin, and those majestic Sierra peaks. And the Mount Rose Summit Parking Area? It's perched at a cool 8,911 feet!
Where is it?
An awe-inspiring road to Mount Rose Summit in Nevada is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 39.9946, -95.7757
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 39.1 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,720 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 39.9946, -95.7757
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