Slide Mountain Trail

The Slide Mountain Trail might combine the biggest bang for your buck in terms of cramming epicly wide vistas of the mountains and valley landscape surrounding the eastern slope of the High Sierra with an accessible and short hiking path with easy to moderate inclines. And at 1 mile in total length, this trail can be undertaken by most hiking ability levels.

Beginning at the far end of the Mt. Rose Ski Resort Winters Creek Lodge parking area, the dirt single track trail climbs the smaller hill, as opposed to the large ski sloped mountainside. The path wraps around while maintaining a gradual climb, in turn exposing views of Mount Rose, Washoe Lake and the sprawl of Reno. From the higher portions of the trail, the Virginia Range and Carson City are also visible. 

A few interpretive signs line the path, letting hikers know what they're looking at and some history of the those areas. Near the upper portion, the trail splits into a loop, with a bench perched at a scenic point looking the summit of Mount Rose and Reno in the lower distance. The trail's location at the same elevation as the ski resort ensure that it's a cooler hike than those located a little bit nearer to the valley floor.

In all, the Slide Mountain Trail offers the chance to see views stretching from the peaks to the valleys, or a blanket of city lights if hiked at night. 

There are a couple picnic benches and trash cans located at the trailhead. No water or bathrooms are available here.

Mt. Rose Ski Resort retains use of the area during winter months, so road, parking and trail access may vary depending on snow conditions and resort operations.