Lake Winnemucca from Carson Pass via Pacific Crest Trail

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Lake Winnemucca from Carson Pass via Pacific Crest Trail

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Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 5.0 miles / 8.0 km
Duration: 1-3 hours

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Overview: Only the fiercest blizzards close Carson Pass, which crosses the Sierra Nevada crest about 30 miles southwest of South Lake Tahoe. The trailhead is next to a parking lot on California Highway 88, which means you can drive up, park and start hiking, snow-shoeing or cross-country skiing within minutes.

Lake Winnmucca offers a beautiful introduction to high-country hiking: it's a little over 2 miles south of the Carson Pass trailhead with about 600 feet of elevation gain. Count on about five miles of hiking, and give yourself extra time if you're coming up from sea level: Starting out at 8,500 feet will be a shock to your system; don't expect to maintain your lowland pace. Veteran hikers and skiers often move on to Round Top, a jagged peak rising behind the lake, but rookies should stick to this easier alternative.

Weekdays with clear weather forecasts are the best time to go; it can get crowded on the weekends and parking can be scarce, even in the depths of winter. In early July you're apt to meet Pacific Crest Trail through-hikers on their way from Mexico to Canada.

Tips: Seasonal:

Summer
Always check the weather forecast before you go; weather is generally mild from July through mid-September, but afternoon thunderstorms are common.

Winter
Going during snow season requires even more preparation, as blizzards can dump a foot of new snow in a few hours. Take a GPS receiver if you have one, and to be certain you know how to use its trackback feature (bring extra batteries, too).

If you're skiing or snowshoeing, identify the trail markers on the trees; they'll help you navigate if enough snow falls to obscure your tracks.

When you pick up your sno-park permit, ask the rangers about avalanche risks at Carson Pass.

What to bring:
Sunscreen
Map
Poncho or rain jacket
Clothing to match the weather -- wear layers, as you'll heat up quickly on the way in, but you'll be cool on the downhill return hike.
10 essentials for hiking/snowshoeing/cross-country skiing
Tire chains during snow season.

Points of Interest

map

The Route

The trail starts behind the privy in the parking lot (look for the Pacific Crest Trail sign board, though it'll probably be snowed under in winter).

The trail goes south through a pine forest, climbing steadily but not too steeply. After about a mile you'll see Frog Lake over to your left -- it's great place to stop for a picture.

At about 1.3 miles, there's a Pacific Crest Trail spur sign: don't turn there, stay on the main trail to Lake Winnemucca.

The trail passes through a wildflower-dotted meadow (in summer that is) that might require a few wet crossings of snowmelt streamlets. You don't see the lake till you're almost right on top of it.

Scenery at the lake is simply fabulous. There are plenty of stones around where you can rest up, have a snack and get ready for your return trip -- which retraces your steps in a relaxing downhill hike.

Snag and Round Top (Kirkwood, California, United States) Photo

Lake Winnemucca (Kirkwood, California, United States) Photo

map

Fees, regulations, etc

Summer: $5 summer day use fee to park at Carson Pass. Pay via green iron ranger near the trail head.

Winter: Nov. 1 to May 30: Sno-Park permit ($5) must be acquired at a U.S. Forest Service ranger station. Click this link for station locations. Wilderness permits required for overnight stays in the backcountry -- also available at Forest Service sites.