The Vitals
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Directions
- Take Highway 89 out of Meyers until it meets Hwy 88 at Pickett's
Junction. Turn left and stay on 88 until you reach Carson Pass. Park at
Carson Pass South Sno Park area. Permit required Nov 1 - May 30 (not
available at the pass).
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Fantastic
year round recreation in a beautiful pristine area. |
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No biking. Can be
crowded in summer |
Locals Tips
Stop by the Divided Sky after
for beer and a snack.
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Recommended Gear
Climbing Skins
GPS Device
Backcountry
Touring Pack
Hydration Pack
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The south side of Carson Pass provides
some of the best hiking in the Tahoe region, regardless of season.
During the winter months (and well into spring) backcountry skiers
flock to Elephants Back, Round Top, or the Sisters in search of alpine
adventure. During the summer wildflower fields abound and folks flock
to camp and fish at Winnemucca Lake, Round Top Lake, and Fourth of July
Lake. In addition, the Pacific Crest Trail bisects the
area.
Round Top and
The Sisters
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At 10,380' Round Top is the tallest peak in the area as well as the
tallest in the Mokelumne Wilderness. It features the classic Crescent
Moon Couloir, which while short at just over 500' of couloir
has a very steep entrance and then stays near 50 degrees until the
exit. But it is just one of three couloirs that split the
north face of Round Top. And the central face is but a small part of
the ridgeline that spans about 1.7 miles and includes the Sisters as
well. The entire ridgeline faces north and will hold patches
of snow year round after good years. While descents off Round Top and
the Sisters on the northern side are relatively short (it's about
1,300' from the peak to Winnemucca Lake), there are descents of over
2,500' on the backside dropping down to Summit City Creek, or over 2k
dropping to Fourth of July Lake.
In the summer Round Top is a popular peak to climb since it is very
striking and has numerous ways up. It also has two beautiful lakes at
is base and Tahoe's largest spring fed wildflower display.
https://vimeo.com/10300467
Elephant's
Back
Elephant Hump and Frog
Lake Ridge
More Info
Geology of the Mokelumne Wilderness
Patchskiing.com
When entering the
backcountry, proper precautions should be taken, including avalanche
beacon and the know-how to use it, shovel,
GPS,
friend, weather
information, and common sense. Click here for the latest avalanche
advisory.
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