8.5mi Ride to the Top of an Extinct Volcano

At just under 9,000 feet, Mt. Rose summit is the highest point in the Tahoe region you can reach on a road bike, and you can climb to the top from either Tahoe or Reno, or both. If you really like to climb, start in Incline Village, go up and over the summit and descend to Reno, then turn around and climb back up the other way. This is for advanced riders only, or intermediates who want a serious challenge.If you are going to do just one side, the Tahoe side is definitely the better of the two. The shoulder is wider, it’s more shaded and generally cooler. And the descent into Reno is a bummer because it is too straight to slow down the cars, which means the bikes have to stay on the side of the road and get passed by cars going 55 mph or 60 mph.

The start: Begin either at the Intersection of Highways 28 and 431 (also called 27) in Incline Village or at the Galena Market 19990 Thomas Creek Road, in Reno. From the Tahoe side the climb is about 8.5 miles, 1500 feet of elevation gain. Watch out for the false summit about 1.5 miles from the top. From the Reno side it is tougher: 14 miles, 3700 feet of elevation gain. Bring a couple of water bottles, but there are stores on each end to replenish, and you will probably need to do so. Source

Afterward, head over to Mellow Fellow and reward yourself with a beer or two.