This beautiful trail is close to Lake Tahoe and is very popular with mountain bikers and hikers. Given the recent popularity of the trail, new signage has been added to the trail to guide recreationalists. Because of the high trailhead elevation and some technical switchbacks, it should be described as a moderate to difficult trail with a total of 959 ft. elevation gain over 4 miles. The trail is nicely graded and maintained.
To reach Tamarack Lake, use the trailhead across from Mount Rose Campground for a hike of about a mile to the lake. From the lake, the rest of the trail continues to traverse through the forest and some alpine meadows.
Please note that this area does accumulate snow in the winter so it is not advised to traverse it unless you are very familiar with the trail. In the summer and spring, the wildflowers are in full bloom. Shade can be sparse but tall alpine trees can provide some shade when needed.
You can check the status of the trail on the USFS website.
Fishing in the lake is permitted but requires a Nevada fishing license; visit the Nevada Department of Wildlife website to learn more.
For additional information, visit the US Forest website, or contact:
Download map files for your own use.
This trail can be accessed via two locations:
MOUNT ROSE SKI RESORT
There is parking at the Mount Rose Ski Resort that provides access to the trail. It is located 10.4 miles north of Incline Village on NV-431 (Mount Rose Highway) on the east (right if coming from Incline Village) side of the road.
TAHOE RIM/MOUNT ROSE SUMMIT TRAILHEAD
This is a pull-off parking area adjacent to the Mount Rose Campground. The parking area is off NV-431 (Mount Rose Highway), 8 miles north of Incline Village, on the west (left if coming from Incline Village) side of the road. There are restrooms and a trail map at the trailhead across from the campground.
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