Lake Winnemucca via Carson Pass Hike
The Lake Winnemucca via Carson Pass Hike is a scenic adventure that serves as a great introductory trail for high country rookies. Wander through luxuriant wildflower meadowlands and mixed pine forests on your way to the shimmering alpine lake. We love this trek, and you will too—trust us!
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Route Description for Lake Winnemucca via Carson Pass Hike
The alpine terrain is just waiting to be explored, and the Lake Winnemucca via Carson Pass Trail can help you do that. Hike through California’s high country and revel in the grandeur and beauty of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Open year-round, this adventure is a popular weekend escape in the summer months, and in the winter, provides a desolate snowshoeing experience. Note the Mokelumne Wilderness requires day-use permits and parking passes, refer to the Eldorado National Forest website for additional information.
Setting out from the trailhead, the Lake Winnemucca via Carson Pass Hike follows the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail (PCT) south. This section of the route will weave you between mixed pines and wildflower gardens. Gradually climbing, the path will eventually curve east, guiding you up a small hill to Frog Lake—a charming alpine pool. Soon after departing Frog Lake, you will be confronted with an intersection, keep right here and you will be diverted onto the Carson Pass to Lake Winnemucca Trail.
Follow this trail past several more wildflower-abundant meadows to the shores of Lake Winnemucca. Revel in the beauty of the shimmering waters bounded by the cliffs of Round Top Mountain. After admiring the picture-perfect scene, head back the way you came back to the trailhead.
Getting to the Lake Winnemucca via Carson Pass Hike Trailhead
The Lake Winnemucca via Carson Pass Hike is accessed via the Carson Pass Trailhead off Highway 88.
Route Information
Lake Winnemucca via Carson Pass Hike Elevation Graph
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Check Area WeatherLake Winnemucca via Carson Pass Hike Reviews
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