It is human nature to look up at a high point and wonder if you can get there. In Tahoe high points rule the landscape, so it’s easy to get overwhelmed with a sense of adventure. Looking up above the north shore there are a collection of peaks that are begging you to climb to the top. Rose Knob was the first choice.
The hike started out as a fairly grueling straight uphill approach through a heavily wooded zone of White Fir and Jeffrey Pines. The dense forest seemed to be a great place for a Bear to hideout so alert was high because the original trail we started on seemed to be more of an animal trail than one humans frequented. After a good bushwhacking session the main trail finally appeared to our rejoice. A single granite boulder marked the trail!
Climbing in elevation the landscape changed rapidly. The dense woodlands receded and the steep hike turned in to a meandering low angle trail on a ridge that had completely different micro climate. Suddenly there were Mules Ear and wildflowers such as Polemonium, and Penstemon everywhere with Small Red Firs and Western White Pines sporadically dotting the landscape. Some of the White Pines were old growth and huge, but the Red Fir were all very small and collecting in dense patches. The display had a fantasy forest feel to it. The lake also came in to view as you came up on to the ridge in what was just the start of the breathtaking views to come.
The smell of wild Spearmint began to hit our noses from our feet brushing along the leaves as we meandered through the Mules Ear and wildflowers such as Native Paintbrush and Phlox. The lack of poisonous shrubs and snakes at this elevation makes for a comfortable hike, although you have to keep you instincts aware because there is always the chance of coming across a Bear or Mountain Lion. Mostly they want nothing to do with humans and hear/smell us from far away making sure to keep their distance. The peak was also coming in to view at this point with Rifle Peak to lookers left and Rose Knob to lookers right. The topography was beginning to be unique volcanic formations covered in thick Lichen with a variety of different bright colors.
A few hundred yards farther and we approached the crest of the ridge. This is the point of the hike the intersected with the Tahoe Rim Trail. The wildflowers were increasing and the view was outstanding and we still had not reached the peak. It would be another mile or so east on the Rim Trail then a steep uphill climb over a rock field to the to the peak. the Rim Trail section is great because it was just a traverse along the ridge line surrounded by wildflowers with exceptional views of the lake. Some of the wildflowers witnessed are Phlox, and Brewers Lupin.
With Rose Knob in view the Rim Trail arched around a giant rock outcropping that signaled the beginning of the volatile rock field that must be climbed to get to the peak. This can be very dangerous because of instability in the rocks and the persistent small earthquakes that have been happening around the lake. This would be a bad spot to be in that event.
On top of Rose Knob is a truly magical spot. The 360 degree view is one to behold. To the north is Martis Valley, Boca reservoir, Stampede reservoir, The Sierra Crest, Western Nevada, and deep to the north the snow capped Mount Lassen glows. A small shelter with rocks built up around and old growth Juniper provides safe haven from the wind and a spot to relax on the peak.
The hike down was filled with beauty and wonder. We followed a ridge line down and were again greeted by wildflowers and some awesome trees. Western White Pines, and Junipers are a special variety of tree that only grow above a certain elevation. Normally around 8,000 feet elevation they will start to grow. Junipers are special because they like to sprout out of cracks in rocks and can live for thousands of years. Just off the trail sat an ancient amazing specimen that commanded respect. Maybe even more impressive were the dead trunk sections of long past Junipers and White Pines. Those dead trees have such a story to tell because they once lived for thousands of years and may have been dead for hundreds more.
The dense wood section approached and the last spot to view the lake was around the corner. We found a perfect White Pine cone. Pine cones are considered sacred and the image can be found throughout ancient history from Egyptians, to the Popes staff, to Native American history. The geometric pattern found in a Pine Cone is considered a microcosm of the universe. I decided to honor that by taking this photo….
An amazing hike. I love Tahoe.
