Towering over Reno, Nevada at 10,776 feet, Mt. Rose is both an immediately-recognized landmark and a favorite hiking destination. The Mt. Rose summit trail is long enough and climbs high enough to present a challenge, but at just over five miles each way, is easily accomplished in an afternoon if you are even reasonably fit. And the views along the way and especially at the top are well worth the effort.
Your adventure begins at the parking area close to the high point on Mt. Rose Highway (State Rte 431) before it drops down into the Lake Tahoe basin. Here you will find some large informational signs and a "bathroom" (the rustic kind, but clean). The trail head is clearly marked. After a short climb, the first 1.5 miles or so of the trail are flat and wide, mostly forested, with intermittent views of both Lake Tahoe and your destination at the top of Mt. Rose; it looks like a long way up from down here! coming out of the trees, you will next make a loop around a large meadow area. On our most recent visit (July 2010), there was a large waterfall splashing down the hillside at the back corner of the meadow. Numerous hikers had stopped there to enjoy the view and/or climb up to the top. After the waterfall, the trail borders the back side of the meadow, crossing several seasonal creeks and passing fields of wildflowers. At the end of the meadow, the climb begins in earnest.
The next section of trail winds up a hillside and back into the trees, eventually breaking out much higher 
up. At this point, you cross a saddle over to Mt. Rose proper and begin the final push to the summit. The pine trees gradually give way to scrub brush until you emerge into an exposed area of broken rock. The wind can really pick up at this point, and the temperature can drop, so it is best to be prepared. But views become increasingly spectacular as you traverse the switchbacks until you finally round the turn to the summit. From the top, you can see for many miles in every direction: Lake Tahoe to the south, Reno to the north and east, and a series of lakes including Donner Lake to the west. You really feel like you are on top of the world.
This is a popular hike, so the likelihood is that you will encounter many fellow travelers along the way. This is not a destination to "get away from it all." At this altitude, the sun is intense, so sunscreen is highly recommended. It is also a good idea to carry a windbreaker or some sort of waterproof jacket. And don't forget plenty of water. It is easy to underestimate how much fluid you are losing in the high desert, where sweat evaporates as fast as it surfaces on your skin.
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