Carson Emigrant National Recreation Trail

The Carson Emigrant National Recreation Trail offers scenic views of Caples Lake and the surrounding mountains.
The Carson Emigrant National Recreation Trail offers scenic views of Caples Lake and the surrounding mountains.

The Carson Emigrant National Recreation Trail is not too often hiked but is a walk with history. As you hike it, it’s difficult to imagine how thousands of people in covered wagons made it along this terrain, and this trail isn’t anywhere near other difficult terrain they encountered on their way up Covered Wagon Peak. You won’t go that far if you turn around where I did, but you can. Continue reading “Carson Emigrant National Recreation Trail”

Round Top Lake to Winnemucca Lake

Round Top Lake sits below the Sisters, which tower over the lake at 9,000 feet in elevation.
Round Top Lake sits below the Sisters, which tower over the lake at 9,000 feet in elevation.

Normally, I wouldn’t rate a hiking trail like Round Top Lake to Winnemucca Lake with a 🟠. It’s not a difficult hike, but the altitude might slow you down as you approach the 9000-foot mark. Even if it makes you huff and puff, it’s well worth it.

This hike has fantastic views as you approach Round Top Lake and look behind you to the north down on Caples Lake and the mountains beyond. Leaving the small parking lot, you’ll cross over Woods Creek on a bridge and then shortly after you’ll leave the pavement to your right and start hiking the trail. Continue reading “Round Top Lake to Winnemucca Lake”