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Genoa Peak

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Genoa Peak
Genoa Peak

Place Name: Douglas County

Place Description: State: Nevada
Date: 07/21/2019
Elevation: 9,150 Feet
Prominence: 1,830 Feet
Miles: 1.4
Elevation Gain: 520 Feet
Lists: Tahoe-Ogul

  • Difficulty
  • Solitude
  • Kid Friendly
  • Summit Views

Straddling The Sierras and Great Basin

After driving the Genoa Peak OHV Road into the area, the summit is straight forward walking up a dirt road to an amazing view of Lake Tahoe to the west and the Carson Valley to the east.

Overall
2.4

Pros

  • Amazing view of Tahoe
  • Easy walk to top
  • Kid friendly

Cons

  • Radio tower on summit
  • 4×4 and high clearance required
  • Busy with OHV traffic

Genoa Peak, a prominent peak in the Carson Range along the east side of Lake Tahoe has long been a target of mine. With its status as a Tahoe-Ogul Peak, it was one that I have long wanted to knock out.

Bring the 4×4

While many peak baggers hike this peak from Spooner Summit on Highway 50, I wanted to shorten this approach with my Toyota Tacoma. I knew going in that it was going to be a bumpy ride along the Genoa Peak OHV Trail. All reports state that the southern end of this road from Kingsbury Grade is much rougher. Using that intel, we came from the northern entrance on Spooner Pass.

I had no issues with the road in my Tacoma. We went 2wd for a few miles before finally having to use 4wd when I encountered a soft hill. We drove all the way to the summit spur road turnoff, which left us with 3/4th mile hike up the sandy road to the summit. Honestly, I could have driven up to the summit block rather easily. However, at the end of the day, we were here to hike. The road walk is short and looking behind you offers beautiful views of Lake Tahoe.

Genoa Peak

Views across the lake to the Desolation Wilderness.

The final summit push takes you to a use trail through the rocks that you can follow to the radio tower on the top. Unfortunately, the tower does hurt the views. To the west is Lake Tahoe and to the east is the Carson Valley which make this an beautiful spot nonetheless. You can see dozens of other peaks in all directions.

With light hiking and fun, non-technical 4-wheeling from Spooner Summit, this is a great day-hike and ride for small kids.

Don’t forget the nearby peaks

Next up, we would head over to South Camp Peak for a short off-trail hike. Our intentions were to hike Duane Bliss Peak as well, however, the little ones were wearing down fast.