Winnemucca Lake Loop

Photos Maps Summary: Two lakes with views of Round Top and The Sisters is the main attraction of this hike along with the relatively short distance and steady grade. Other attractions include the Lost Cabin Mine remains and climbing to the top of Round Top. The wildflower display peaks from mid-July to mid-August. The shorter version (~4.8 miles total) of this hike does not go to Carson Pass, instead it leaves Winnemucca Lake and heads back to Woods Lake.Distance: 7.45 miles totalElevation Gain/Loss: 1,300' totalSeason: July through OctoberFees & Permits: None for dayhikers. Wilderness Permit required for overnighters.Finding the Trailhead: 38.6867 N, 120.0094 W. From the CA-88/89 intersection south of Lake Tahoe, follow CA-88 to the southwest for ~10.6 miles before turning left onto Woods Lake Road. Follow the road for ~1.0 mile (stay right at ~0.8 miles) to the parking lot off the right side of the road. From the parking lot walk the road for ~0.2 miles to where the trail starts (off the right side).

The Hike: As you climb away from Woods Lake you pass by the Lost Cabin Mine remains with some equipment rusting in the sun. There are creek crossings at ~0.7 miles & 1.2 miles (from the trailhead, not the parking lot). During this section of the trail there are a couple of places to view Black Butte to the west. Before reaching the junction with the Fourth of July Lake Trail (~2.0 miles) there is a great view looking back toward the northwest. At the junction take the Fourth of July Lake Trail (to the right) a little ways (~0.1 miles) to get a better view of Round Top Lake. Here, is a nice view of The Sisters to the south-southeast and Round Top to the southeast. Return to the junction (~2.2 miles total) and head east towards Winnemucca Lake. If you're feeling energenic you can take the steep trail that follows the gulley just east of Round Top Lake up to the summit of Round Top. About 1/3 of the way to Winnemucca Lake you can leave the trail to the north to get views from west (Caples Lake) to east (Winnemucca Lake). Here, you can also get a distant view of Lake Tahoe to the north. About 0.85 miles from the trail junction near Round Top Lake the trail reaches the outlet of Winnemucca Lake. About 150 feet past this, the trail intersects with the Woods Lake Trail (to the left, ~1.9 miles to the trailhead). If you continue straight here, the trail will lead to Carson Pass and you'll need to follow CA-88 for a little ways to make your way back to the Woods Lake parking lot. Be sure to check out the view of Round Top from Winnemucca Lake shore.