Mount Rose — Friday, Feb. 28, 2025

My two hiking buddies and I underestimated the probable depth of the snow on Mount Rose when we were planning this outing. We thought that between the heavy rains earlier in the week and the forecasted warm temperatures, we would not need snowshoes. Things started out well. The porta-potty was spotless. Our trudge up to Horse Camp on bare trail seemed to zipped by. We took the left fork to the summit and found that the snow had receded above previous levels. The first patches started well above Horse Camp and seemed thin and supportive but rapidly became deeper and softer and too much for our microspikes to handle. Eventually, we made it to the top but it was needlessly hard work breaking a trail. No complaints, though. The splendid weather helped offset our grind. For those thinking of going here this weekend, I’d suggest bringing your snowshoes.