A Classic High Sierra Lake Just Off the Pacific Crest Trail

Lake Winnemucca is one of the most popular and accessible alpine lakes near Carson Pass. Located just off the Pacific Crest Trail, this hike offers a quick entry into high Sierra terrain with wildflowers, open views, and clear blue water.

For many hikers, this is their first real experience in the high country—and it’s easy to see why.

👉 Explore more of the area: Carson Pass Hiking Guide

Trail Overview

  • Distance: ~5 miles round trip
  • Elevation Gain: ~800 feet
  • Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
  • Trailhead: Carson Pass / Meiss Meadow / Mokelumne Wilderness
  • Best Season: June through October – Wildflowers in June are spectacular

In winter, the trail transforms into a snow-covered route popular for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and backcountry access near Elephant’s Back.

Trail down to Winnemucca lake from Round Top

What to Expect on the Trail

The hike begins with a gradual climb along a well-defined trail before connecting with the PCT. As you gain elevation, the landscape opens into alpine meadows and granite terrain.

Round Top Peak rises above the basin and quickly becomes the defining feature of the skyline.

Lake Winnemucca sits in a rugged, exposed setting with clear, cold water and wide open shoreline. It’s a natural place to stop, relax, and take in the scenery—and on warm days, a quick swim isn’t uncommon.

Round Top Lake above Winnemucca Lake in Mokelumne Wilderness

Go Further: Beyond Lake Winnemucca

Most hikers stop at Winnemucca lake.

That’s where the experience actually starts to open up if you are into wilderness exploration.

From Winnemucca, you can continue on to:

  • Round Lake and the slopes below Round Top Peak
  • Fourth of July Lake for a quieter, deeper backcountry feel
  • Overlooks above Forestdale Creek with views into Blue Lakes Basin
  • Hike down to Woods Lake (Especially great in June when Wildflowers are blooming)

👉 Plan a longer route: Fourth of July Lake Trail

Alternate Route: Woods Lake Trailhead

A less crowded way to reach Lake Winnemucca starts from Woods Lake.

lassen queit side california
  • Distance: ~2.1 miles to the lake
  • Elevation Gain: ~500 feet
  • Features: Creekside sections and strong early-season wildflowers

This route is typically quieter and offers a different approach into the basin. (Paid Parking lot with restrooms just before Woods Lake.)

A popular loop option is to hike from Woods Lake to Round Lake, continue to Winnemucca, and return via the main trail. This route is best later in summer or fall when snow has melted from higher sections.

Permits and Regulations

Lake Winnemucca is located within the Mokelumne Wilderness.

  • Overnight permits are required for backpacking
  • Permits are managed through the Carson Pass Ranger Station
  • Campsite restrictions may apply, especially at Winnemucca Lake

Know before you go:

  • Campfires are prohibited in the Carson Pass Management Area
  • Group size limits: 12 (day use), 8 (overnight)
  • Dogs must be leashed
  • Horses must remain on trail and may not graze

Parking and Access

Parking is available at the Meiss Meadow / Carson Pass trailhead. (Separate Paid Parking available at Woods Lake)

  • $5 daily pass
  • $20 annual pass
  • Federal interagency passes accepted

Fees are required from May 31 through October 31.

Frog Lake looking back at Round Top Peak
Views from the trail to Winnemucca Lake down on Caples Lake
View Down to Fourth of July Lake from Trail behind Round Top Peak
Frog Lake
Round Top Lake Mokelumne Wilderness
Winnemucca Lake Mokelumne Wilderness
Winnemucca Lake in Spring Mokelumne Wilderness Carson PAss

Sierra Rec Insight

Lake Winnemucca is one of those places that draws a crowd—and for good reason.

But over time, I found the real value here isn’t just the lake itself. It’s everything around it.

Exploring beyond the main shoreline, finding alternate routes in from Woods Lake, or coming back in the shoulder seasons completely changes the experience.

Even after years of visiting, it’s still a place I come back to—sometimes for the hike, sometimes just to slow things down and reconnect with the Sierra.

Where to Go Next

Winnemucca Lake reflections

Sierra REC Magazine is dedicated to sharing the events, news and adventure opportunities in The Sierra Mountains. From Lassen Volcanic National Park to the North down through the Central Sierra and the Lake Tahoe Basin through the rugged eastern slopes of Mono county and Yosemite National park to the southern tips near Sequoia National Park and the PCT trail. We invite you to share stories, trips, and photos from your adventures in the Sierra. Please join us on Facebook , Twitter Google +  and YouTube or email us your events and photos at sierrarecinfo@gmail.com #goexplore