Carson Pass

Day Hikes from Carson Pass

Woods Lake to Round Top Lake and Winnemucca Lake Loop

Distance: 4.2-mile loop, mountain trail
Elevation Changes: 1,200 feet up - 8,200' to 9,400'

The hike up to Round Top Lake is a favorite for anyone camped at Woods Lake. The trail passes the Lost Cabin Mine on the way up. Experienced mountain climbers may push on to summit Round Top (10,381'). Once you have reached Round Top Lake it only makes senses to climb a slight rise and return to Woods Lake via Winnemucca Lake.

Woods Lake to Fourth of July Lake

Distance: 3.6 miles one way, mountain trail
Elevation Changes: 1,200 feet up - 8,200' to 9,400' and then down 1,200' to 8,200'

Fourth of July Lake is an ambitious hike for a single day trip. The trail leaves Woods Lake and climbs 1,200' to Round Top Lake and then drops 1,200' to Fourth of July Lake. The return hike on weary legs can be a challenge. Most people prefer this hike as an overnight backpack trip. There are amazing views from Fourth of July Lake. It rests in a pocket overlooking Summit City Creek canyon, nearly 900 feet below.

South on the Pacific Crest Trail

Distance: pick your distance, mountain trail
Elevation Changes: 1,200 feet up - 8,600' to 9,100' to 8,200'

The Pacific Crest Trail crosses Carson Pass just west of the parking lot. Day hikes on the trail are enjoyable because it offers wonderful views. To the south there is no clear destination until you reach Lost Lakes nearly 7 miles out. Most day hikes go out about 2.5 miles to the south and turn around before the trail begins its serious descent.

North on the Pacific Crest Trail

Distance: pick your distance, mountain trail
Elevation Changes: 400 - 500 feet up - 8,600' to 9,000'

Going north, the Pacific Crest Trail only fluctuates a couple hundred feet in elevation for the first 4.5 miles, all the way to Showers Lake. For a more ambitious hike, if you arranged a shuttle, someone could drive over Luther Pass and up to the top of Echo Summit and leave a car there or be there to wait for hikers. The hike from Carson Pass to Echo Summit is 12 miles over fairly even terrain. The trail never climbs more than 500 feet over the first 9 miles. After that it descends 700 feet to Echo Summit.

Peak Bagging

A number of the peaks along the Sierra crest at Carson Pass can be climbed with a little caution and common sense by those with mountaineering experience. A few summit crags listed below should only be attempted by experienced persons with more advanced climbing skills. Crumbling volcanic rock found on many of the mountains in the area requires particular care.

Red Lake Peak

The summit of Red Lake Peak (9585') rewards hikers views to of Lake Tahoe, Hope Valley, and Round Top. As long as you avoid the temptation to climb the jagged summit crags, the hike to the top of Red Lake Peak is fairly easy. Begin at the top of Carson Pass and follow the ridgeline north for a little more than 1.5 miles.

Round Top

At 10,381 feet in elevation, Round Top is one of the highest peaks in the area. The hike to the mountain is usually made from Round Top Lake, after hiking up from Woods Lake. A use trail leads south from the lake toward the saddle between the eastern Sister and Round Top. The trail, however, soon veers more toward Round Top and then disappears, leaving climbers to find their own route. Pick up the ridge and follow it nearly to the top. The highest point is too dangerous to attempt without technical climbing skills, but the lower summit offers enough spectacular views to make the climb well worthwhile. Reference: Tahoe Sierra, by Jeffrey P. Schaffer.

Trail Map

The Sisters

Both Sisters (10,153') are rated class 1 or 2 climbs, meaning that hands may occasionally be needed for balance. Approach them from Woods Lake, hiking to Round Top Lake and then up to the saddle between Round Top and the Sisters. Then follow the ridge up to the summit of the eastern Sister, the higher of the two. From that peak you can traverse to the other Sister a quarter mile to the west.

Elephants Back

Elephants Back (9585') is a class 1 climb from either Carson Pass or Woods Lake. Hike to Lake Winnemucca and work your way over to the obviously gentle southwest ridge. Follow it to the summit.

Carson Pass Camping

Woods Lake Campground

Located at an elevation of 8,200 feet, 63.5 miles east of Jackson and 2 miles off Highway 88, near Carson Pass. Usually open from July 1 to mid-October.

Campground Amenities

• 25 camp sites for tents
• Vault toilets, piped water, picnic tables, grills, fire rings, bear boxes
• Swimming, fishing, picnicking, hiking
• Non-motorized boating on Woods Lake

Reservations: None
Fees: $28 per night for 6 people and 2 vehicles
Woods Lake Campground Map

Back Country Camping

Camping outside a designated campground in the Carson Pass area requires a wilderness permit. Pick one up at the Information Center on the summit of the pass or at the Ranger Station in Pioneer. Within the Carson Pass Management Area wilderness camping is limited to specific sites.

Red Lake Wildlife Area

860 acres surrounding Red Lake and Forestdale Creek are designated as the Red Lake Wildlife Area. Within the wildlife area fishing, boating, hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are allowed. Off-road motorized vehicles are not allowed in the area.

Animals that may be sighted in the Red Lake Wildlife Area include marmots, beavers, golden eagles, red-tailed hawks, coyotes, and deer.

Red Lake has dangerous algae toxins which can harm people and kill animals (2022). People are advised not touch water or eat fish from the lake. Red Lakes Wildlife Area