This is an absolutely perfect winter hike, and a great way to get some views that's actually accessible via car, microspikes (or snowshoes) and trekking poles. We summitted via the easy to follow, albeit completely snow-covered trail. We encountered less than 10 people over the whole day, which is insane for a Saturday.
Microspikes and trekking poles (we had our snow baskets on too) are necessary to reach the top right now. Please beware the massive and deadly pothole on the transition from pavement to dirt road a few miles from the trailhead - be prepared to slow down. Other than that, the road is good for 2WD vehicles easily.
One more thing, as shown in my 4th photo, we found a disembodied deer leg right on the trail on the way down. There's a mountain lion in the area, so know what to do. For more photos and details of our trip, visit the attached link. Cheers!
Comments
Jennifer F. on Mount Rose
Great trail report and photos, Dave. Thanks for the cougar siting instructions too.
Posted by:
Lamb Chop on Feb 17, 2020 07:56 PM
yeahthatsme on Mount Rose
I talked to a person who works with cougars. They don't leave stuff like that. That leg has been dead for a long time. Cougars don't move their kills. It's most likely a large bird or something else.
Posted by:
yeahthatsme on Feb 18, 2020 03:46 PM
Skygypsy on Mount Rose
I've been told by a wildlife biologist that they do move their kills, and sometimes they eat part of it and come back to move the rest later, but usually they'll move it to a more secluded spot. It would be rare for a cat to leave it on the trail. Still good to know something predatory might be in the area. We've seen fresh cat tracks on the trail to nearby Wagonwheel.
Posted by:
Skynomad on Feb 19, 2020 11:33 AM