Chilly start to Rose Peak with temps in the 30s, heading out from Lichen Bark, near the finish line area of the Ohlone 50k race. Met a few others who were heading out to Murrieta Falls, which we planned to see on the way back from Rose Peak. The trails were still a bit muddy from the recent rains. However, the frozen ground was pretty firm. The trail rises quickly out of Del Valle and we are rewarded with views of the lake and beyond. Could soon see Mt Diablo, where I had been yesterday. There’s no sugar coating it — the uphills are a challenge from this side, especially up Big Burn past Williams Gulch. Just past Stewart’s Camp, we had snow on either side of the trail. There was snow on the trail near the burn area from the fire in 2020. It’s such a pretty area — and the snow made it seem more like Tahoe. The weather at the summit was clear, but the wind was pretty brisk, so we did not stay too long. Could see snow still on a few of the higher peaks. Other than a couple downed trees that were easily passable, the trail was in good condition. It was a bit muddier as the puddles thawed, so there were a couple of slick areas on the way back. We headed down Greenside Road to Murrieta Falls. I favor going this way, as it is an easier downhill hike to the falls after the summit. We retraced our steps on the trail — which was now a little bit more muddy. We then took a well-deserved stop at Altamont Brewing on the way home.