Public and free lands are such an important piece of outdoor recreation, allowing anyone and everyone to take advantage of the wilderness in a multitude of different ways. But there always seem to be people trying to take that land for their own, make it private, and limit access. That seems to be true everywhere, including along the Mount Rose Highway that links Reno to Lake Tahoe. But the area remains free for the time being, and it will hopefully remain that way for years to come.
“Winding through the heart of the Sierra, the Mount Rose Highway links Reno to Lake Tahoe, a corridor where adventurers and snow enthusiasts converge. Here, the highway becomes a gateway to some of the most accessible backcountry skiing in the lower 48. As skiers, hikers, and first time snow visitors share this multi-use passage, it stands as a beacon of inclusivity and balance. Although it faces its challenges, it stands as model for the harmony between nature and community and access.“