Carson Pass to Round Top via Winnemucca Lake

Near: Carson Pass
Trip Type: Hike
Distance: 8 miles (5 miles to Winnemucca Lake)
Elevation: 8,500 - 10,400 ft (9,000 feet to Winnemucca Lake)
Vegetation: Forest and alpine meadows
Last Hike: May 2015

Round Top and the sisters are dramatic peaks within easy reach of Carson Pass.  On this trip we made an aborted attempt on the the Round Top summit via the PCT.  Some late May snow slowed us up a bit, though and we were contented with a shorter hike to Winnemucca Lake.  Even without making the summit, the open vegetation made for expansive views of the area.  The peak its self looks quite fun, though word is that it requires a bit of scrambling and might be just a bit too much for most dogs.  We'll come back sometime in the summer and give it a go.

Rules:

This hike is mainly in the Mokelumne Wilderness.  No permits are required for day hikes, though between November 1 and May 30 a valid California Sno Park Pass is required to park at Carson Pass.  Wilderness permits are required for overnight camping and can be obtained from the Carson Pass information center.  No campfires above 8,000 feet.  Dogs are allowed off leash in this area if under effective voice control.

Trailhead:

Carson pass trailhead for the PCT on CA-88.  In summer, nearby Wood's Lake is also a common starting point.

The Route:

Caltopo Map: http://caltopo.com/m/4LN9





This route is really two hikes; a gentle 2.5 mile climb to Winnemucca, then a much steeper 1.5 mile climb up to the summit.  On the way to Winnemucca, head south on the PCT past Frog Lake, then veer southeast at the next intersection, leaving the PCT.  Here the trail leaves the woods and proceeds over fairly open country with expansive views.  In the fresh snow it was a bit tricky to stay on the trail in places, but in summer I assume it's easier to follow.  From Lake Winnemucca, the trail climbs a wide gully to a shoulder overlooking Round Top lake.  This was as far as we got as the altitude and snowy climbing in this section tired out some in our party enough for their taste.  The last half mile from here is quite steep and involves some light rock scrambling.  It certainly looked fun and we'll be back some time in summer to check it out.  Even so the views at Lake Winnemucca and the overlook by Frog Lake are well worth a trek out here for their own sake.

Heading out on a snowy trail

The PCT near Frog Lake

Frog Lake from the trail.

The spur trail to Frog Lake

Intersection of the PCT and the trail to Winnemucca Lake

Winnemucca Lake with Round Top looming above

The view back to Winnemucca Lake and Carson Pass from the overlook near Round Top Lake

The intersection with the PCT again, this time on our way back.  Glad we caught the fresh snow before the sun came out!