Round Top & Winnemucca Lake, Carson Pass

From the parking lot next to Woods Lake Campground of the CA-88 we take a counter-clockwise route along the hike beginning with the Pack Trail.

Find the trailhead across the bridge, just to the right of the parking lot and proceed along the trail which runs initially parallel to the road.

Rusted metal sharply contrast with the pine trees as you arrive at the abandoned Lost Cabin Mine. Corrugated sheet metal cover up mine entrances, and keep an eye open for scattered, rusted old mining equipment.

The trail meanders through alpine forest, before entering into open countryside heading in the direction of Round Top Lake.

The lake is a popular spot for backpackers camping overnight, at is affords not just a night in the wilderness, but also more time to enjoy the alternative trails, like the 4 mile round trip to the Fourth of July lake on the Southern flanks of Round Top.

From the crossroad junction by the side of the lake, our route takes us straight up to the summit of Round Top.

From Round Top Lake the trail becomes increasingly barren as the altitude increases, and the trail heads directly upward towards the summit.

Steep but smooth up to the saddle, the terrain moves over jagged rock and becomes harder to locate. Yet with the summit of the mountain in your sights your scramble up the remaining few hundred feet of elevation should see you standing on the summit.

Trailspotting tackled this route one June when snow was still evident on the flanks of the mountain, so it was fun to glissade down the slopes on our waterproof jackets. Stopping at the bottom, however, proved to be a bit of a challenge!

Winnemucca is the largest lake on our travels and certainly one of the most picturesque on the route. Be sure to find some time to stroll along the banks before heading back towards the trailhead in a Northerly direction.

Note that the trail heading North East from this POI leads to the alternative Carson Pass trailhead, and does not return to the Woods Lake Campground and trailhead.

Be sure to cast a glance over your shoulder and enjoy the receding views Round Top as you head back towards Woods Lake and the trailhead.

Carson Pass Trail offers an alternative route between Winnemucca Lake and Carson Pass. A sno-park permit is required at the Carson Pass alternate trailhead between Nov 1 and May 30 (see our link to sno-park permit vendors).

Sisters Peak is accessible directly from the ridgeline below the final climb to Round Top, perfect for the determined peak-bagger who want to add another mountain summit to their list.

Great as a side-trip for backpackers who have more time to explore the area. Take the 4 mile round trip from Round Top Lake to the Fourth of July Lake on the Southern flanks of Round Top.