Notes
(hike/climb)
3) Southeast Ridge
One-way distance to summit: 2.7 miles
Elevation Gain: ~3350 feet
Difficulty: Walk up/scramble
The Southeast Ridge route starts a few miles before the "Mount Rose Summit" parking area. It is far less known, and far less traveled, yet it is the shortest route the summit. To get to the trailhead from Reno, follow 431 up past the 7,000 foot marker. The road heads up a steep hill, passing a dirt road on the left before you hit a horseshoe shaped turn. It is just before this turn, on the right side of the road, where you'll find a small dirt parking area by the Galena Creek. There are no signs for this trailhead. However, there is a trick to finding it. Just past the horseshoe turn there is a silver shack on the left. If you see the silver shack, you need to turn around and head back to the horseshoe turn. It is easy to find in summer, but not in winter. If you aren't satisfied with these directions and want a more surefire landmark, well you are in luck. About 1/4 mile up the road from the horseshoe turn is the Sky Tavern Ski Area on your right. This is a good place to turn around if you've gone too far.
Now for the route itself. From the parking area head towards the mountain along the trail, and cross a bridge over the Galena Creek. Follow the trail as it steeply heads through a canyon. After about one mile you reach the base of Point 10,005, which is an East shoulder of Mount Rose. It is here that the trail basically ends. From here you wind up the ridge following whatever appears to be the most direct and least overgrown. Once at the top of Point 10,005, the final assualt to Mount Rose is self-explanatory. This route is short, but very steep, so be prepared for burning lungs and bring plenty of water. This route is better in springtime or fall. In summer it gets pretty hot and you'll run into more bugs. It is also possible to run into rattlesnakes.