I started this trail around 9am. I knew it was a steep trail but reading that you are climbing about 1000ft per mile is a lot different than actually doing it. The first mile wasn't too bad. There are even a couple of benches at about 1/2 mile and near the 1 mile point. But the second mile is rough. The trail is in good shape but the climb on it is a beast. And it doesn't let up until you are at the top. There were a couple of times I wished those benches were up higher. I swear it was the longest three miles to the top I had ever hiked. IN any case, the trail was in fine shape. The Mt Rose crew has maintained it well. I think I encountered one or two blowdowns but they were easily stepped over. I saw a patch or two of snow at the top from last week's storm. I ate a snack at the top. Seems several of the birds up there are used to people giving them food or picking up after them as they would land about a foot from me. The trip down was much easier/faster. I did see the four trees that have grown together as is mentioned in the guide. Honestly I had hoped for better views. Not that the views were bad but there are trees at the top so the view is somewhat obstructed. The trail was not crowded. I saw about 7 people and two dogs the whole time I was there. If you want to give your legs a workout, this is definately one of those trail that will do the job.

The trail was in great shape and, as always, provided a nice workout with over 3700 feet of elevation gain in a 2.9 mile trip to the summit. No mile in the ascent has less than 1200 feet of gain in it so it is relentless. On a clear day you get full Cascade mountain views and you have Mt Ellinor front and center. Saturday there was a low cloud layer so we could make out Mt Adams, but only Ellinor was really worth taking pictures of. We used the lollipop ridge route down which adds 1/2 mile and eases the steepness some on the descent to Horse Camp. More story and pictures here. http://hikemindedpeople.blogspot.com/2013/10/mount-rose-relentless-grade.html

The way leading to the trail-head off highway 119 was very foggy, but once we were near Lake Cushman the sun greeted us with its rays. It turned out to be a great hike in perfect weather. We arrived at 8:45 AM and were the first group at the trail head. The trail starts flat for a few yards but once you pass the registration station, it becomes steep and then more steep. This hike is a great conditioning hike, it will make you sweat. There are about 4 benches on the way to the summit. Once you reach Horsecamp(signed) take the trail on the left or right they both lead you to the summit. It is a nice loop, we chose the left which is a bit steeper but by now your legs should be used to it. Once at the summit, which has an elevation sign, you'll enjoy great views. The trail is in great condition, no snow whatsoever.

Signs are missing at the fork. Don't go unless you know the trail really well. One bridge on the long route could collapse at any moment. No blowdowns: http://mosswalks.blogspot.com/2013/09/mount-rose.html

Hiked this with my German Shepherd. Tough hike up and tough hike down. My lungs hurt on the way up and my knees hurt on the way down. Once we came to the trail split where you can take the shorter, steeper way up or the longer but milder way to the summit, we chose the longer. Had a scare on the trail when my dog suddenly stopped and refused to go any further. The hair all along her back stood up on end and she began growling and barking strangely. There must have been a bear or cougar because she normally takes off after a scent. I think she sensed it was something much larger than she's used to. I hiked the rest of the trail very aware after that! We took the shorter route down to make a loop at the top and then ran some of the way down. Moving Time: 2:06:16 Elapsed Time: 3:37:46 Great training hike but I was disappointed with the views at the top. Ellinor offers much better views, but Mount Rose offers a dip in Cushman Lake after you get back to the parking lot. We hiked across the road to a trail that led to the water; it was the highlight of the trip!