The Mount Rose Traverse

This route utilized both well known and seldom traveled trails to link up Snowflower Mountain (10,243’), Church’s Peak (10,601’), and Mount Rose (10,776’). With over a mile of elevation gain, this route is challenging but absolutely worth it because of the vast views of the Mount Rose Wilderness you’ll see. From Upper Thomas Creek, the trail rises steadily until you reach the junction of the Rim to Reno south/north loops. Take the south loop and ascend until you reach the ridge line. From here, you’ll trek south along the ridge following (very) minor use trails and summit Snowflower, Church’s, and Rose. From Rose, descend on the southeast summit until you reach the first relatively flat portion of the trail. Leave the trail, descending northeast heading for Contact Pass/Chocolate Peak. The trail picks up again the closer you get to Chocolate Peak, confirmed by several cairns. Beneath the summit of Chocolate, you’ll see two large poles and a large rock pile. A visible trail heads north and descends to Church’s Pond. Follow the trail down Whites Creek and over Dry Pond to hook back up with Thomas Creek.