- Carson Pass to Winnemucca Lake is a moderate hike in Lake Tahoe with stunning views.
- The hike is approximately 5 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 600 feet.
- Arrive early at the day-use parking lot as it can fill up quickly.
- Winnemucca Lake is a great spot for fishing, but make sure to have a fishing permit.
If you’re looking for a moderate hike in Lake Tahoe, the trail starting at Carson Pass and leading to the pristine Winnemucca Lake is a great option. This trail offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests and is a great way to exercise while enjoying nature’s beauty.
One of the most popular hikes in the Carson Pass region is Winnemucca Lake in the Mokelumne Wilderness of South Lake Tahoe. This hike is about 5 miles round trip with an elevation gain of around 600 feet.
The views from the lake are absolutely stunning and well worth the effort required to get there!
Take Highway 88 East to reach the trail’s starting point at Woods Lake Campground. Before you reach Carson Pass, find the campground located to your right after going past Kirkwood Ski Resort and Caples Lake.
Travel along the road to reach the day-use parking lot.
Tip: We recommend for you get to the trailhead early because the parking spots may run out quickly.
Winnemucca Trail
The Route
From the trailhead at Carson Pass, begin your journey south on the Pacific Crest Trail through a tranquil wooded area until you eventually reach Frog Lake. Enjoy the peacefulness of being surrounded by nature as you hike through this picturesque landscape.
If you take a right at the fork, you’ll continue on the Winnemucca Lake Trail. From this point on, you’ll be in an open area with Round Top and the Sisters peaks in the background. This is a beautiful view that you won’t want to miss!
Aside from the stunning views along the trail, the region is covered in various species of wildflowers during the height of June. Each flower’s different colors and smells create a sensation that can only be experienced by taking a hike through the region oneself.
If you’re hiking either the trails of Pacific Crest or Tahoe-Yosemite, you’ll be on the correct path walking along this trail since there is good summer fishing at Winnemucca Lake.
This particular lake is known for its large and smallmouth bass and trout. So, if you’re hoping to snag a fish or two during your hike, make sure to stop by here.
Just remember that you need a fishing permit to do any fishing in California or Nevada.
Learn more about getting fishing permits in California here.
More Challenge
There are various ways to make your hike more challenging for individuals with more vigor. Peak-baggers may desire to ascend to the 10,381-foot Round Top’s summit. This will allow them to see stunning views of the Sierra Nevada and Mono Lake.
Round Top Lake is just one mile from Lake Tahoe, making it a great alternative destination for those looking for a more satisfying climb.
Fourth of July Lake is another 1.5 miles beyond Round Top, providing yet another option for those seeking a greater challenge. Both lakes offer stunning views and are well worth the extra effort required to reach them.
Another potential option is to circle around and return through Woods Lake, which would have an approximate distance of 5.5 miles. Alternatively, you could continue from Round Lake via the Round Top Lake Trail, which is 6.5 miles long.
Monkey Rock Trail is another popular moderate hike that you can check out!
FAQs
Q: How long is the Carson Pass to Winnemucca Lake hike?
A: The hike is approximately 5 miles round trip.
Q: Where is the starting point of the trail?
A: The trail starts at Woods Lake Campground, located right after Kirkwood Ski Resort and Caples Lake.
Q: Is parking available at the trailhead?
A: Yes, there is a day-use parking lot, but you need to arrive early.
Q: Can I go fishing at Winnemucca Lake?
A: Yes, Winnemucca Lake is known for fishing, including large and smallmouth bass and trout. Remember to have a fishing permit.
My husband and I love to fish at Lake Tahoe and Pyramid Lake, and we can often be found taking visiting friends and family on boat trips around the lakes.
- Snowshoe Cocktail Races at Camp Richardson - January 2, 2025
- Tahoe Adventure Film Festival 2025 - January 2, 2025
- Best New Year’s Eve Dinners in Lake Tahoe - December 31, 2024
