Overview

North of Lake Tahoe, you can catch the Mount Rose Highway, or Nevada State Route 431, which takes you to Mt. Rose Pass at 8,911 feet in elevation, perhaps the highest pass open all year in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. For incredible vistas and some thrilling backcountry adventures, this scenic drive can’t be beat.

Driving Directions

Mt. Rose Highway begins as Route 431 in Incline Village on the northeast shore of Lake Tahoe. Follow this route over Mt. Rose Pass and to its junction with Highway 395.

Time/Distance

The drive is about 23.5 miles and takes approximately 40 minutes one way.

Highlights

• Incline Village
  Surrounded by natural beauty, this magnificent mountain town in the High Sierra is a great stop for all kinds of activities, including hiking, water sports and backcountry adventures.
• Mt. Rose Wilderness
  Here you’ll find 28,000 acres of wilderness to explore. Getting out into the backcountry of the mountains, you’ll find wildlife, forests and snow-capped peaks.
• Tahoe Meadows
  Access the wilderness lands via the Tahoe Rim Trail, which you can find at Tahoe Meadows. Pedal the Flume Trail to Galena Creek Country Park.
• Hiking
  Besides a number of trails around Lake Tahoe, you’ll discover four trails in Mt. Rose Wilderness that will give you the best of hiking through these forests. Hike to Mt. Rose on the Mt. Rose Trail for incredible views. All the trails are accessible from Mt. Rose Highway, but some require a four-wheel vehicle to get to the trailhead.
• Winter Activities
  There are a number of ski resorts off this scenic byway, allowing you to get out into the white Sierra landscapes for winter fun. Choose Diamond Peak Cross Country Ski Resort or Mt. Rose Ski Resort.