Winnemucca Lake Backpacking (4 Lakes Trail Guide)

Are you looking for a scenic alpine backpacking route near Lake Tahoe? The Winnemucca Lake trail to Fourth of July Lake in the Mokelumne Wilderness takes you past four alpine lakes in one hike. This beautiful route is filled with wildflowers in the spring and summer, and as it gets cooler in the fall and winter, it transforms into a snow-covered alpine terrain.

This Winnemucca Lake Backpacking (4 Lakes Trail Guide) highlights what to expect along the trail, including key stops like Frog Lake, Winnemucca Lake, Round Top Lake, and Fourth of July Lake.

Trail Overview (Winnemucca Lake to Fourth of July Lake)

• Distance: 11.5-12 miles round trip

• Elevation Gain: 2,352 ft

• Difficulty: Moderate to Hard

• Route Type: Out and back

• Day hike (6-7hrs) or overnight backpacking

AllTrails | Fourth of July Lake Trail

Backpacking all 4 Lakes

On this backpacking route, you’ll pass four lakes: Frog Lake, Winnemucca Lake, Round Top Lake, and Fourth of July Lake. Each lake has a slightly different feel, which makes the hike more dynamic and rewarding.

• Frog Lake – quiet and less crowded and easy to miss since you have to take a brief detour to see it

• Winnemucca Lake – the most popular lake, and you’ll get views of Round Top Peak 

• Round Top Lake – you’ll see the backside of Round Top Peak and it becomes more rugged and scenic on this side

• Fourth of July Lake – this is the final destination and lake for this trip, you’ll get wide alpine views and beautiful views all around 

Trailhead & How to Get There

The trail begins near the Carson Pass Information Station, which is located directly on Highway 88 at the summit of Carson Pass in South Lake Tahoe. If you are backpacking, you will obtain your permit in person; permits are first-come, first-served. There is no fee for the wilderness permit, just a $5 parking fee. Bathrooms are also located at this location.

This trail is well-marked and easily accessible from the parking area. The parking lot fills up quickly during peak season, especially on weekends, so arriving early is highly encouraged.

If you’re bringing a camp stove, you will need a Campfire Permit, which covers your camping stove for your trip. You can obtain more details about fires, overnight permits, and get up-to-date information from the Forest Service site.

What to Know Before Hiking the 4 Lakes Trail

• Expect steady inclines throughout the hike

• Trail is well-marked but gains elevation gradually 

• Weather can change quickly in alpine conditions, so be prepared 

• Popular trail during peak season so earlier start = better experience

Frog Lake

Frog Lake is the first lake you’ll encounter on this backpacking route. It sits just off the main trail, so you’ll need to take a short detour to reach it, but don’t worry, it’s just right there!

This lake feels quieter than the more popular stops further along the route and offers your first real glimpse of what’s ahead. A good place to take in the view, and ease into the rest of the hike toward Winnemucca Lake.

Winnemucca Lake

Winnemucca Lake is the first major lake you’ll reach on this backpacking trip, and this is the most popular stop along the trail. This is a common resting point for both day hikers and backpackers, with plenty of space around the shoreline to take a short break, adjust your pack, or take in the scenery before continuing to Round Top Lake.

As you continue from the trailhead, the basin opens up, the crowds thin out, and the surrounding granite landscape of Round Top Peak comes into view.

Round Top Lake

Round Top Lake is the next stop along this trail after Winnemucca Lake, and the scenery starts to feel a bit more rugged and remote here. As you make your way, the landscape opens up into a more alpine, high-country setting.

From this angle, you get a clear view of the back side of Round Top Peak, which gives you a more mountain-filled backdrop. It’s a great spot to pause before continuing toward Fourth of July Lake, where you will see a small shift in incline.

Fourth of July Lake

Fourth of July Lake is the final major lake along this hike. It’s a popular place for overnight camping, with designated spots around the lake that offer a true alpine backcountry experience. It feels more remote compared to the earlier lakes, making it a rewarding endpoint. This location is quite beautiful so make sure you walk around a bit to explore all it has to offer.

Final Thoughts

This is a great backpacking option if you are a beginner or want variety without committing to a long trek. You get four alpine lakes, steady elevation, and rewarding views all in one route. Whether you stop at Winnemucca Lake or continue all the way to Fourth of July Lake, this trail gives you a balanced mix of challenge and scenery.

Happy trekking, friends!

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