The Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest has a surface area of over six million acres, making it the largest national forest in all of the United States. While many who visit Nevada head for the lights and glitz of the Las Vegas strip, those with a penchant more toward the natural will find a much more enjoyable winter outing in the HT forest. Follow our itinerary below for one of the best winter weekend getaways of your life.
Nevada’s Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest has a variety of campsites open all year round, including campground camping, dispersed camping, group camping and RV options. Check each site individually for fee and reservation information, as it varies from site to site. Check the link for exact amenities and a park map. For this itinerary, we’re sticking to the Carson Ranger District and recommending the Mt. Rose wilderness campsite.
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Now that you’ve selected your winter camping spot, make sure you take the Mt. Rose Scenic Byway on your way to it. Driving from Reno, you’ll see the scenery change from sagebrush to Ponderosa pine before heading up into the Lake Tahoe Basin.
Take this all-season hike with the entire family or by yourself to the peak of Mt. Rose. You’ll find gorgeous views of Lake Tahoe and the Tahoe Mountains. Stop half-way to take in the Galena Creek waterfall before heading on to the top.
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The Tahoe Rim Trail Association has been working to preserve the 165-mile single-track trail for almost 40 years. Bring your mountain bike and take advantage to see the Lake Tahoe Basin in a new way.
When weather permits, snowmobiling is allowed on the north side of Highway 431 off of the Mt. Rose Highway. Snowmobiling is open when there is approximately eight inches of snow on the ground. Avoid wilderness areas.
In much of the same area as above, backcountry skiing opportunities abound. According to official materials, “The Mt. Rose Ski Resort is considered to be the ‘birthplace of alpine skiing,’” and is located just off the Mt. Rose Scenic Byway.
If snowmobiling or backcountry skiing isn’t quite your thing, consider taking up snowshoeing. The Mt. Rose area is one of the only ones in the forest that allows for snowshoeing (and snowboarding, if that’s your preference).
When you’re finished playing in the snow (or perhaps before), spend a little time in the fantastic Galena Creek Visitor Center. You can speak with park rangers, view exhibits, shop, and learn about all of the other hiking trails, fishing, and summer camps we haven’t mentioned.
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The Humbolt-Toiyabe National Forest has tons of must-see sites throughout. We recommend trying to see Spooner Summit, an interpretative sawmill site, the Lake Tahoe-Eastshore Drive National Scenic Byway, and the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Basin. Make sure to plan accordingly, as they can be a bit far apart.
On your way back to Reno, make sure to stop by the wonderful Coffeebar for a latte and a panini. This Italian-style café offers coffee, lunch, and happy hour options.
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