Round Top, Carson Pass CA
• 4 & 5-star hikes
• 4.9 to 9.8 mile options
• Medium difficulty | Gain 1,230 - 3,410 ft (Peak 10,381ft)
• Carson Pass, CA | Lake Tahoe
• Driving Directions: Woods Lake, Carson Pass
Round Top on the Woods Lake Loop.
Any time is a great time to visit Round Top, South of Lake Tahoe near the ski resort of Kirkwood, but the best time is around June to July when you can be surrounded by one of the finest wildflower displays in Northern California. Regardless of when you visit, there's still plenty to visit - alpine meadows, crystal clear lakes, fast flowing brooks, abandoned mine buildings and the last remaining patches of the previous winter's snow. Remember to pack the bug spray in summer, as Woods Lake at that time can be one big bug party.
Elevation gain is gradual and consistent up to Round Top Lake, after which the climb becomes more noticable. Unlike the name suggests, Round Top's peak is decidedly jagged and pointed near the summit and requires some scrambling and bouldering. I even get a sense of vertigo at the very top!
Round Top O&B,
Woods Lake Loop, 
Carson Pass O&B, 
4th July Lake, 
Sisters SpurWe list several routes to choose from, starting from two separate trailheads. Both trailhead require day use parking fees. In winter and spring only Carson Pass parking is likely available, and a winter sno-park permit is required - check the official website for status.
Round Top Out & Back 5★
6.0 mi, Out & Back, Medium, Gain 2,110 ftShortest way from trailhead to summit, passing the abandoned mining camp and Round Top lake on the way. Including a detour to The Sisters adds a further 0.4 miles and 110 feet gain.
Trailspotting Map at AllTrails
Woods Lake Loop 5★4.9 mi, Loop, Medium, Gain 1,227 ft (or 6.5 mi, Gain 2,200ft with summit)
Even without tackling the summit this is a great loop trail and includes a visit to Winnemucca Lake. Recommend a counter-clockwise route. Be sure to look back towards Round Top as you descend through the alpine scenery below Winemucca Lake.
Trailspotting Map at AllTrails
Carson Pass Out & Back 4★
8.1 mi, Out & Back, Medium, Gain 1,990 ftLonger but still great hike to Round Top summit, and includes the Western shores of Winnemucca Lake. In winter and spring Woods Lake trailhead is closed and this is the only trailhead option. Expect snow and icy conditions up here. Even in June, we glissaded back down from the summit on a patch of snow.
Trailspotting Map at AllTrails
Fourth Of July Lake 4★3.3 mi, Out & Back, Medium, Gain 1,210 ft (starting from Round Top Lake)
Extend your hike from Round Top Lake down to yet another lake.
Trailspotting Map at AllTrails
Round Top Lake, as seen from the flanks of Round Top itself.
Wildflowers by the abandoned mine, and a climb to Round Top summit.
Tangents:
• Trail Links: Official, Public Map at AllTrails
• Facebook Group: Comment on this article
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