Three Peak Challenge in the Carson Range

[simonov]

As I mentioned last month, Mt Rose. At 10,785 feet, is the tallest and most prominent mountain at the north end of Lake Tahoe. It’s a walk-up, an 11 mile reverse lollipop that, because of the starting and ending elevation and the distance, is similar in many ways to Mt San Jacinto via the Tramway.

However, there are two nearby peaks; 10,490 foot Mount Houghton and 10,338 foot Relay Peak, which share a ridge to the south of Mt Rose (and hence are closer to Lake Tahoe). Each of these make pleasant, not too challenging hiking destinations with excellent views, and are frequently tagged in a single climb.

So I was looking at Caltopo and wondering about tagging all three mountains in a single day. This is the route (starting and ending is at lower right):

three_peaks_loop_640.jpg

three_peaks_loop_profile.jpg

Now 16½ miles might not seem like a lot to some people, but it’s about the most this 63-year-old has climbed in a single day in the last 40 years. And as you can see from the profile, I would be tackling most of the elevation gain twice. Still, as long as I can maintain a steady pace, I don’t see a problem.* Start early and work it all day. It reminds me a little of the Three Tees plus Baldy, which I never did.

I will plan a Saturday in the next month or two before the snows come in. I have to do it alone because I don’t know anyone else who can maintain the necessary pace. I will make a report when the deed is done.


* This is a new situation. Until about three years ago it would be impossible. For most of the last 20 years I suffered terrible foot pain during every climb or hike, it just came with the territory. Nothing I tried helped. Finally in 2022 I bought a pair of Zamberlan boots and now I can walk forever with no pain. It’s amazing. The only thing that slows me down now is I can just get tired of walking, which is also kind of new.

[David R]

When I did Rose I did Tamarack too, that was my two peak challenge.

[simonov]

Weirdly, I've never been to the top of Tamarack. That's something else I'd like to check off the list this year.

[Sean]

Good luck, I look forward to the report.

[AW~]

Im seeing its reasonable. I dont like 'challenge' of course NHPS.
Id be curious about ebikes. Bob Burd said that an offtrail was well used. But others note the bikes.....just its legal because its not in wilderness.https://tamba.org/trails/e-bikes/