Nevada Rambler

Photo Album

Hike to Relay Peak (elev. 10338 ft), on the ridge west of Mt. Rose, from the Mt. Rose Summit trailhead on NV Hwy 431.  The route follows the bike trail and service road on the ascent, then descends via the new Tahoe Rim Trail back to the Galena Creek waterfall on the Mt. Rose trail. The new portion of the TRT is  routed through scenic areas with well-constructed, moderate grades.  Relay Peak via the TRT is a nice alternative to the very popular ascent of Mt. Rose, I only met a few people on the trail even though the trailhead parking lot was packed. The day started hot, 82 F at the trailhead at 11 a.m., but cooled off in the afternoon when a cold front came through with a little rain and (mostly) distant lightning.

Statistics:
10.41 mi (4.81 mi uphill, 3.81 mi downhill, 1.76 mi flat)
1600 ft total ascent – - 12.2 % uphill grade, 31.3 % downhill grade
4:49:46 total time (4:24:18 moving, 0:25:28 stopped)
0:25:22 pace (2.4 mph average speed, 5.2 mph max speed)
13.9 difficulty, 27.3 effort

GeoLocator for latitude 39.3129311 longitude -119.8975296

Photo Album (5/11 and 5/20 and 5/27/2013)

A wildflower reconnaissance hike to Sagehen Creek Meadows on 5/11/2013: It’s mostly still way too early, but the manzanita bushes are in bloom, as well as a a few blue camas lilies in the first small meadow.

Update 5/20/2013: The blue camas are in full bloom in the big meadows. This week is the time to go.

Update 5/27/2013: Returned on a group hike with friends.  Past prime for the camas, but lots of new purple cluster flowers (above, Sierra beardtongue penstemon?) and other wildflowers.

Statistics:
5.30 mi (1.86 mi uphill, 1.74 mi downhill, 1.68 mi flat)
200 ft total ascent – 7.5 % uphill grade, 27.8 % downhill grade
2:02:18 total time (1:45:03 moving, 0:17:15 stopped)
0:19:47 pace (3.0 mph average speed)
2.5 difficulty, 5.6 effort

GeoLocator for latitude 39.4341393 longitude -120.2046814

Photo Album

Loop hike between the West and East Keystone Trailheads on Peavine Peak, via the Halo Trail and connector trails.  I expected most of the wildflowers to be gone at this elevation by now, but was pleasantly surprised.

Statistics:
10.76 mi (4.60 mi uphill, 4.25 mi downhill, 1.80 mi flat)
1200 ft total ascent
5:38:34 total time (4:33:30 moving, 1:05:04 stopped)
0:25:24 pace (2.4 mph average speed, 5.4 mph max speed)
14.8 difficulty, 30.5 effort

GeoLocator for latitude 39.5494995 longitude -119.8599625

Photo Album

Snow on April 8. Update: Flowering tree with bees on May 12.

Photo Album

Spring hike on Peavine Peak from the East Keystone Trailhead. Follows part of the Halo Trail. Lots of wildflowers.

Statistics:
10.69 mi (4.75 mi uphill, 4.56 mi downhill, 1.33 mi flat)
1200 ft total ascent – 12.0 % uphill grade, 209.9 % downhill grade
4:53:14 total time (4:11:59 moving, 0:41:15 stopped)
0:23:34 pace (2.5 mph average speed, 5.6 mph max speed)
13.0 difficulty, 26.2 effort

GeoLocator for latitude 39.5415611 longitude -119.8526001