Advertisement: A snowshoe climb with views of North Tahoe, Mt. Rose, and the Carson Valley with few other travellers other than the occasional snowmobile.
More photographs.
Difficulty: 5 miles, 1800 feet of elevation. Can feel like a lot more in powder.
Preparation: Snowshoes. Most descriptions involve snowshoeing along the summer road starting at Mt. Rose Summit Trailhead; we took a more direct route from Tahoe Meadows. Our route took us clockwise along the lower slopes of Mt. Tamarack. Do not ascend too high or you will have to go back down later. There is an obvious offshoot ridge from Relay Peak jutting out to the east of Relay Ridge. This ridge eventually splits at the end; the goal was to take the chute up between the splits.
There is a gorge separating Mt. Tamarack from this last part of the ridge. Follow along the edge of the gorge to the west of Mt. Tamarack and east of Relay Ridge. When it becomes shallow enough, cross it and ascend to this offshoot ridge via one of the many chutes. Beware of cornices and possible avalanche danger. Once on the ridge, the route is obvious. This trip can be extended easily to Mt. Houghton and Mt. Rose, but we ran out of time. Parking can fill up early.
Summary: A good day hike in the Tahoe area for those wishing for a snowshoe climb with views. 4/5
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| The eastern face of Relay Peak from the southeastern slopes of Mt. Tamarack. The “eastern ridge” is visible. |
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| Climbing a chute on Relay Ridge with Mt. Houghton and Mt. Rose in the background. This is the steepest portion of the route. |
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| Views of Lake Tahoe from the northeast. |
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| Views of Carson Valley from Relay Peak. |
More photographs.
Difficulty: 5 miles, 1800 feet of elevation. Can feel like a lot more in powder.
Preparation: Snowshoes. Most descriptions involve snowshoeing along the summer road starting at Mt. Rose Summit Trailhead; we took a more direct route from Tahoe Meadows. Our route took us clockwise along the lower slopes of Mt. Tamarack. Do not ascend too high or you will have to go back down later. There is an obvious offshoot ridge from Relay Peak jutting out to the east of Relay Ridge. This ridge eventually splits at the end; the goal was to take the chute up between the splits.
There is a gorge separating Mt. Tamarack from this last part of the ridge. Follow along the edge of the gorge to the west of Mt. Tamarack and east of Relay Ridge. When it becomes shallow enough, cross it and ascend to this offshoot ridge via one of the many chutes. Beware of cornices and possible avalanche danger. Once on the ridge, the route is obvious. This trip can be extended easily to Mt. Houghton and Mt. Rose, but we ran out of time. Parking can fill up early.
Summary: A good day hike in the Tahoe area for those wishing for a snowshoe climb with views. 4/5
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