Carson City Highpoint Trip Report
Snow Valley Peak (9,214 ft)
Date: July 19, 2005
Author: Rich Wilson
(formerly known as Ormsby County)
With triple-digit highs forecast for Carson City, we elected to use the Tahoe
Rim Trail for this hike, rather than the lower North Canyon access mentioned in
some previous reports. This newer trail was built to modern standards.
It maintains a reasonable grade, with no unnecessary ups and downs. The trailhead
is reached via US 50 and is located on the north side of the highway right at
Spooner Summit.
The final 1.5 miles traverses the west side of the peak, with panoramic views of
Lake Tahoe and the Sierras. At a junction about 5+ miles in, we took a right on
a jeep trail for the final 270 vertical feet. A register placed in 2000 is
located in a concrete block, right at the highest point. Impressive views were
had up and down the Carson Range, from Mount Rose in the north to Freel Peak in
the south. One of the finest views of Lake Tahoe lay at our feet -- though not
THE finest (Rubicon Peak).
Hikers should be aware that the 1.5 mile traverse is largely without shade and
should be avoided during hot, sunny afternoons. There are lines found along the
east ridge just north of the summit. I noticed them 14 years ago but when I
asked the Forest Service, they didn't know what I was talking about.
Climb statistics: 12 miles round trip; ascent time 2 hours 40 minutes;
net elevation gain 2,070 feet.