Took a quick -- well, three-hours-quick -- hike up Mt. Rose after work. The road has obviously been graded recently, so while it's washboarded, there are no potholes to speak of, except for a few on the short spur to the Rose trailhead parking area.

This was my first time up Rose since the snow has completely melted out, and the trail is in great shape, too. There's one easy-over blowdown across the trail maybe 0.4 miles in, but that's it for obstructions, other than the usual roots, rocks and unforgiving grade. I took the clockwise/climber's left side of the loop up and came down the same way, so I can't speak to the other side of the loop. Although I enjoyed the ridge going that way last time I was up here, it just seems to take too long, especially knowing that the endless switchbacks are waiting down below. 

After passing three or four groups coming down while I was ascending, I had the summit to myself for the 20 minutes or so I spent there, and this was the only place bugs bothered me. They seemed to home in on me after a while, but it wasn't terrible.

Used this as a training hike with a 30 lb pack. Steep and strenuous hike. Trail in great condition. Did the route clock wise from horse camp. Most of hike is in trees but there are some viewpoints and a nice view from the top. Road is now graded with no potholes. Honey bucket at trailhead but no water source after leaving trail. 

Mount Rose is a great hike when you only have a half day. The parking area holds about ten cars, and we luckily got the last spot when we pulled in at 1:00 pm. 

The trail is in great shape and straight forward. Nearing the summit the Bear Grass was in full bloom and beautiful! 

The summit isn't much. Really just a small rock with a sign on a tree noting that you are on the summit. There are views west toward Mt. Olympus, but not a 360 degree view. The views are actually better right before the summit on the steepest part of the hike.

Definitely take the loop on the descent. We were debating and were so glad we did. It was the best part of the hike. The wild flowers were stunning! 

Got to the trailhead at 0800 and the lot was full. There is parking along the road just across from the trailhead.  Honey Bucket is operational. Some snow at 3800 feet but very little on the actual trail. No micro spikes needed. Wildflowers are blooming! Some loose rocks on the descent made for some slips and one fall but nothing serious. Trekking poles are definitely helpful on this trail. 

Trail Conditions: Overall the trail is in good condition. On the longer side of the summit loop there are a few trees across the trail and there is still a little snow. You can do the whole hike without stepping on snow, but the bit that is still there is creating a few muddy patches. 

Bugs (or lack there of): A pesky flea or two but no major bugs, which is always a treat. I nearly stepped on a Gartner snake. I screamed...that seemed to scare her...I felt bad, and she continued on her way unharmed.

Porta potty at the trailhead - this was probably the cleanest porta potty I have ever been in. Huge shout out the employee who last cleaned it. I see you, and you are amazing.

We arrived at the trailhead around 10:45 and there was only a few other cars there. I went into the hike knowing it would be a challenge, but my oh my, this hike kicked my butt. The elevation gain is no joke. I'm grateful I had my trekking poles, lots of water, and plenty of snacks. I agree with the previous trip report from Soundmirror that the trek to Horse Camp was harder than the trek from Horse Camp to the Summit. We followed the advice of the main page and went clockwise on the loop and my knees were glad that we did on the way down.