Overview:  Only the fiercest blizzards close Carson Pass, which crosses the Sierra Nevada crest about 30 miles southwest of South Lake Tahoe. The ... more »trailhead is next to a parking lot on California Highway 88, which means you can drive up, park and start hiking, snow-shoeing or cross-country skiing within minutes.

Lake Winnmucca offers a beautiful introduction to high-country hiking: it's a little over 2 miles south of the Carson Pass trailhead with about 600 feet of elevation gain. Count on about five miles of hiking, and give yourself extra time if you're coming up from sea level: Starting out at 8,500 feet will be a shock to your system; don't expect to maintain your lowland pace. Veteran hikers and skiers often move on to Round Top, a jagged peak rising behind the lake, but rookies should stick to this easier alternative.

Weekdays with clear weather forecasts are the best time to go; it can get crowded on the weekends and parking can be scarce, even in the depths of winter. In early July you're apt to meet Pacific Crest Trail through-hikers on their way from Mexico to Canada. less «

Tips:  Seasonal:

Summer
Always check the weather forecast before you go; weather is generally mild from July through mid-Se... more »ptember, but afternoon thunderstorms are common.

Winter
Going during snow season requires even more preparation, as blizzards can dump a foot of new snow in a few hours. Take a GPS receiver if you have one, and to be certain you know how to use its trackback feature (bring extra batteries, too).

If you're skiing or snowshoeing, identify the trail markers on the trees; they'll help you navigate if enough snow falls to obscure your tracks.

When you pick up your sno-park permit, ask the rangers about avalanche risks at Carson Pass.

What to bring:
Sunscreen
Map
Poncho or rain jacket
Clothing to match the weather -- wear layers, as you'll heat up quickly on the way in, but you'll be cool on the downhill return hike.
10 essentials for hiking/snowshoeing/cross-country skiing
Tire chains during snow season. less «