Sporty Sunday: Hiking Winnemucca - Round Top Lakes Loop

This is the second hike to get five out of five stars, but I’d like to give it 5++ stars. This hike REALLY has it all: forest, streams, lakes, granite, flowers, views, elevation, a loop route, and mining relics. The first three miles are all about the natural beauty. The wildflower show is at various stages depending on the slope aspect. We had a chance to see both the early and later bloomers. Winnemucca and Round Top lakes are icy jewels cupped by incredible peaks. From the 9400 foot saddle just before Round Top lake, you can almost see Lake Tahoe. (Okay, not really, but you can see Freel Peak, which overlooks Lake Tahoe.)

At almost four miles, the remains of the Lost Cabin Mine are a wonderful diversion on the downhill slope. The best part of the mine is a secret: cross the stream to explore the mine’s garbage pit, brimming with remnants of quaint glass jugs and odd bits of metal. It will bring out the historian in you. (NOT a dog-friendly addition to your trip. Broken glass + paws = sad dog face. My pictures of the trash are from October 2012, pre-Jasper.)


This hike isn’t usually snow-free until mid-July, so I think most local hikers haven’t considered this trail open yet for the season. Consequently, we had it almost to ourselves! Be aware, traffic is heavy during the summer months. For a wilderness experience, the best time to hike is now or in the fall.

Source: Evans, Stephen L. "Winnemucca - Round Top Lakes Loop" Top Trails Sacramento. 4th ed. Birmingham: Wilderness, 2012. Print.

Length: 4.74 miles

Water: The snowpack is still melting and runoff is evident. Both lakes are full and so are the streams.

Use: Light. During prime hiking season, this trail is heavily used.

Differences from published description: There is a $5 use fee.

Jasper’s rating: 5 paws out of 5.

Sporty Sunday is a recurring feature in which I share my fitness routine and offer and solicit advice. While this content might seem a little out of place in an outfit diary, a healthy, strong body is the foundation of my wardrobe. I hope to inspire my readers to be fit as well as stylish!