Introduction:
What? :
The Fourth of July Lake Loop, starting from Carson Pass, is 15 mile long hike with 3,300 ft of elevation gain and considered strenuous.
This hike is a “classic” High Sierra adventure in the scenic Mokelumne Wilderness of the Eldorado National Forest. This challenging route the hike circles the dramatic Round Top Peak (10,381 ft).
It will take you past a chain of stunning alpine lakes, mountain pass and remote Sierra mountain wilderness area.
This route is a popular one overnight backpacking trip, often completed as a loop that circles Round Top Peak but I did it as a demanding day hike.
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Where? :
The hike begins at the Carson Pass Information Station on Highway 88 in the Sierra Nevada, approximately 35 miles south of South Lake Tahoe, CA.
From the South Lake Tahoe area take Highway 89 south to Meyers and to Hope Valley.
Turn right (west) onto Highway 88 (Carson Pass Highway) and drive approximately 9 miles to the summit.
The parking lot is located on the south side of Highway 88 next to the Carson Pass Information Station.
When? :
The best time for this high-altitude hike is Mid-Summer through Early Fall.
The mid-summer months are ideal time to visit here, no snow and a lot of wildflowers.
Late August to September provides cooler temperatures and fewer people.
Be aware of afternoon thunderstorms with lightning.
During spring and early Summer the trail may still be covered in significant snow and ice.
I visited here late august and the trail was clear of snow.
During winter the road may be closed but even if it is open the hike is a serious winter mountaineering experience .
Due note 1:
A $5 daily fee is required for parking at the Carson Pass Trailhead from late spring through late fall. Pay with cash at the self-pay station or at the Information Station when staffed.
On top of the parking, obtain a free, self-issued wilderness permit at the Carson Pass Information Station trailhead.
A Mokelumne Wilderness Permit is required for overnight stays.
Due note 2:
This is a long strenuous hike, carrying plenty of water (at least 3 liters for a day hike), you can refill your water by filtering lakes and streams.
Due note 3:
Mountain weather can change quickly. Pack layers, including a windbreaker or rain jacket, as the mountains can be colder and windier than the trailhead.
Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support and good grip are highly recommended as well as trekking poles.
The trail is exposed, use sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
Due note 4:
The trail is generally well-marked but can be difficult to follow in the rocky, exposed areas or if snow is present. Carry a map or a reliable GPS track on your phone/device.
Due note 5:
High-altitude weather is unpredictable
Due note 6:
Some sections of the hike follow the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT).
Due note 7:
Black Bears are spotted in the area, so be sure you're familiar with the proper precautions that should be taken while camping overnight in bear country.
Due note 8:
Pack out all trash, stay on the marked trails to protect the fragile alpine environment, and be respectful of the wilderness.
Due note 9:
The forest section of the hike up to 4th of July Lake is a relatively popular hike but the far section of the loop has fewer hikers. Except 2 groups of backpackers in 4th of July Lake i did not see anyone else along this hike/
My thoughts:
I started very early that day, driving from the San Francisco bay area to take some fall colored pictures in Hope valley.
I started the hike relatively late so I hiked almost without stopping so as not to get into the dark. A strong thunderstorm with heavy rain caught me on the 4th of July Lake but it passed after 30 minutes and overall the cooler weather was good.
The trail involves many climbs and especially the last section there are climbs when you are already tired.
The Hike:
The loop route described here, as I did it, is counter-clockwise.
The trail starts at Carson Pass road with an elevation of 8,574 feet.
From the road the well-maintained path heading into the forest climbs steadily for the first half mile until you exit the forest into an open landscape.
Soon after you will reach Frog Lake on your left (1.1 mile from the TH).
From here continue for an additional 1.5 miles, give or take at the same level, to Winnemucca Lake, a beautiful large blue-green lake nestled in a glacial cirque.
From Winnemucca Lake (2.5 miles from TH), the trail climbs more steeply in the exposed area toward the high country. You will pass the small Round Top Lake, which sits dramatically below the towering exposed peaks of Round Top.
This area is rugged, exposed with alpinist views of the surrounding mountains and the Capels Lake valley.
Soon after you will reach the saddle pass between Round Top and The Sisters, 3.8 miles from the trailhead.
Over this section the trail climbs from the trailhead 8,574 feet to a high point of around 9,400 feet at Round Top Lake/Saddle.
At the pass you will encounter the trail that descends to Fourth of July Lake secluded basin.
The trail from the saddle down to the lake is steep with numerous switchbacks and talus sections with loose rock terrain, dropping approximately 1,000 feet over a distance of 0.8 mile.
The small Fourth of July alpine Lake nested below the cliffs and surrounded by forest on its east side offers excellent backcountry camping sites (permit required).
When I reached the lake a strong summer rainstorm started so I waited for 30 minutes under the trees until it passed.
From Fourth of July Lake, you will keep hedging down to the valley below you, the trail follows the mountain slope, and starts circling the mountain to the east.
After about 1.1 miles of descending you will reach the Summit City Creek and trail junction.
Make sure you are following the right trail, short walk on Evergreen Trail and you need to take Summit City Trail to your left.
From here the trail is clear but less maintained and less traveled with some sections of overgrown vegetation and many fallen trees.
This section crosses a forested section on the lower level of the mountain slopes.
Summit City Trail climbs up gradually covering the mountain slopes east.
You will get out above the tree line and the view of the creek below is open up.
The trail climbs up to exposed landscape.
Make sure you are following the correct trail here because it may be challenging to follow in some sections.
You will reach the high exposed elevation of the loop, Forestdale Divide, here you will see on your right the Forestdale Road that climbs to this mountain pass. From this point the view to the north is open up.
Keep circling the mountain and from here the trail descends for 1.4 miles into the valley below, you will pass several wetlands and forested areas.
From the low point there are another 2 miles of exposed climbing to the last pass on your hike.
Right after the high pass you will be rejoined to the trail you started with (near Frog Lake) and complete the loop of the Mountain Top mountain ridge.
From here it is a 1.2 miles easy downhill to the trailhead and parking lot.
Overall it was a 15 mile long hike with 3,300 ft of elevation gain and with all stops it took me almost 8 hours to complete.
A very strenuous hike in a remote isolation section of the Sierra mountains with amazing views.
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