Highlights:
▲Tremendous panoramic views
▲ Highest point on the TRT

Segment Descriptionmap

Between Brockway and Tahoe Meadows, the TRT winds through thick forests, open meadows, and across the feet of ancient volcanoes. In springtime fields of yellow mules ears sparkle against the backdrop of Lake Tahoe. This segment is prized for its spectacular windswept vistas of Lake Tahoe, the Sierras and the Carson Range.

 

The trail climbs away from Brockway for several miles and into the Tahoe National Forests thick and fragrant stands of pine, fir and tobacco brush. It crosses sun-splashed meadows where bright wildflowers are backed by distant lake views. The interior of the segment enters Nevada and the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest and treks along the volcanic summits and slopes of the Mt. Rose Wilderness and includes the highest point on the TRT, 10,338' Relay Peak. Long ridge traverses afford horizon-spanning, nearly continues views south across the entire Tahoe Basin and northwest over the Sierras to Mt. Lassen and beyond. As the route leaves the Wilderness, towering pines reappear to shelter the trail along its gentle descent into Tahoe Meadows. Hikers may choose to go on the 0.7 mile access trail to the Mt. Rose Summit Trail through a subalpine meadow, past a waterfall with picturesque views on the way back to the Mt. Rose Welcome Plaza.

Trailheads

  • Brockway Summit East, just off the east side of Hwy. 267, 0.5 miles south of the summit, on USFS rd. 16N56. Limited dirt road parking, no facilities.
  • Mount Rose Summit Welcome Plaza, is on Hwy 431 near Tahoe Meadows 17 miles west of US 395. Paved parking, interpretive signs & vault toilets. Provides hikers accesses to the waterfall trail joining the main trail 3.4 miles away. Bikers have a connection 3.9 miles west to the dirt road to the Mt. Rose Wilderness boundary.
  • Alternate Access, from Hwy 267 north of the summit take USFS road 16N92 five miles east. Limited dirt road parking, no facilities.

Trail Conditions
The trail from Brockway (7,000') to Mt. Rose Summit Welcome Plaza (8,990') is generally narrow and sandy, with some rocky sections and occasional scree slopes near Rose Knob. Most of the trail maintains a 10% or less grade, but there are steeper sections.

Trail Use
This section of trail is open to hikers and equestrians.
Biking – Allowed only for 7.6 mi. from the Brockway trailhead and 4 mi from Mt Rose/Tahoe Meadows.

Bikes are not allowed between these two sections due to the area’s wilderness designation.
Recommended for experienced riders only

  • Biking - Allowed only for 7.6 mi. from the Brockway trailhead heading east and 4 mi from Mt Rose Welcome Plaza heading west. Bikes are not allowed between these two sections in the Mt. Rose Wilderness. For more information go to www.wilderness.net/index.cfm
  • Camping - is permitted throughout this section of the trail. You must camp within 300 feet of the trail and 200 feet away from water.
  • Special Option - Across from the Mt. Rose Summit Welcome Plaza is the Mt. Rose US Forest Service fee campground. It has water, restrooms, campsites and fire pits.
  • Water - this section is very dry after snow melts off. There are a few streams close to the Brockway trailhead and Mud lake 7.7 miles from the Mt. Rose Welcome Plaza. All water must be properly treated.
  • Caution - Much of the TRT is exposed at elevations over 9000'. You are likely to be effected by frequent extreme weather changes, intense sun, cooler temperatures, and high winds. We recommend that you be prepared.
  • Signage - The trail is marked as needed with light blue triangular TRT signs, but there are trails and roads that cross the TRT, so be careful and take a map and compass with you.
  • Fire - Fire danger can be extreme; know and follow current restrictions (for up to date info: 530-543-2600 or 775-882-2766) for camp stove permits which are required (www.r5.fs.fed.us/eldorado/).
  • Dogs- Please pick up after your dog to lessen the impact to wildlife, and other trail users.
  • Leave-No-Trace-The TRTA supports and encourages LNT practices while on the trail. (see map for details).

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