Carson Range Section
This WRT section traverses the Carson Range starting at the Truckee River at Verdi Nevada, through the Mt. Rose Wilderness, along the Tahoe Rim Trail and down to the Virginia Range via Lakeview Summit Pass.
Verdi and Mt. Rose Wilderness
The historic town of Verdi Nevada is an excellent place to trail-head or to take a zero-day. Parking, food and accomodation are available in town. From Bridge Street the hike takes the paved Verdi road to Cabela Drive to Boomtown Garson Drive overpassing Highway 80. Once across the highway the hike gets back into the dirt via National Forest Road 100 and into the Mt. Rose Wilderness. The trail then follows this road up along the ridgeline of the Carson Range eventually crossing over the ridgeline. Here it is possible to find historic Basque Tree Art in the aspen groves. The trail opens up to Big Meadows an area that provides a wonderful spot to primitive camp. From Big Meadow the hike climbs a few hundred feet to reach the established Rim to Reno Trail. The hike then continues past Snowflower Mountain Peak and onto Mt. Rose Trail near the summit trail for Mt. Rose. Mt. Rose trail passes Tamarack Peak and ends at the Mt. Rose Summit Parking Lot. From here it is possible to travel off trail to the town of Incline Village.
Tahoe Rim Trailhead
Heading South West from the parking lot along Highway 431 for the a short distance, the Washoe Rim Trail begins to share a hike with Tahoe Rim Trail. It's back onto the dirt trail at the Ophir Creek Trailhead. Ophir Creek is the last year around water source for 15 miles until Hobart Reservior. Find and follow the markers for the Tahoe Rim Trail all the way to Marlette Peak. Along the way you will pass Twin Lakes and Herlan Peak and get a beautiful view of Marlette lake cascading into Lake Tahoe. At Marlette Peak the Washoe Rim Trail hike gets off the Tahoe Rim Trail. Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park maintains a camp site at by Marlette Peak with a restroom.
Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park
From Marlette Lake the hike heads East along Hobart Reservior Trail to Hobart Reservoir. There is another maintained camp site at Hobart Reservoir that is frequented by fisherman as the lake is stocked withe trout and favorite local fishing spot. From here hike through Sawmill Canyon, past The Tanks and along McEwen Creek where water can be taken year-round. The hike continue into the small town of Lakeview. There a water spigot at the Hobart Reservior Trailhead. Hike along Hobart Road to the Old Highway 395 and under the overpass for Highway 580 at Lakeview Pass. Here one could also exit the Washoe Rim Trail heading north on 395 for approximately 6 miles to Bower's Mansion which features menities such as a pool and nice campsite.
