October 11, 2013
Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com
Page 17
Fall is fantastic for hikes at Carson Pass SHARON ANDERSON
GET
UP
& GET OUT
Carson Pass is a mountain pass on the crest of the Sierra Nevada on Highway 88. It lies in Alpine County on the Great Basin Divide, with the West Fork Carson River on the east and the South Fork American River on the west. It’s almost a year-round playground. The hiking, fishing, boating and mountain biking are fantastic, as well as skiing at my favorite ski resort, Kirkwood. Starting at 8,500 feet, one of the best hikes in this area is the route to Round Top Lake, Winnemucca Lake and Fourth of July Lake. This trail has pristine alpine meadows, lakes, abandoned mines – and in early summer, one of the finest wildflower displays to be found anywhere in Northern California. Start at the Pacific Crest trail
sign from the parking lot on Highway 88 and plan for about seven miles of hiking. Round Top Lake sits at 9,440 feet. Sisters Peak is accessible directly from the ridgeline below the final climb to Round Top, at 10, 183 feet – perfect for the determined peak-bagger who wants to add another mountain summit to their list. Meiss Lake hike offers a variety of terrain, from an ancient forest to a rocky tree-less alpine ridgeline to a beautiful meadow. The elevation gain is moderate and you won’t tire of the endless panoramic views. It’s also a must-do hike for alpine wildflowers. The hike starts out on a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail section J. This is one way, 4.2 miles. Be prepared, for in early summer there can be as many as 21 water crossings, making it great for dogs to stay hydrated. This lake is good for swimming but no fishing is allowed. Hike up the Horse Canyon Trail to West Pass, the highest point the Emigrant wagons crossed while traveling to California along the Carson
Silver Lake River Emigrant Trail during the Gold Rush. The views are fantastic with the trail climbing 2,300 feet in five miles. Pick up the horse canyon trail just east of Kit Carson Lodge and follow the trail up Grouse Ridge. From
there it is less than a mile to the top of the pass. Silver Lake, at 7,200 feet, has great fishing, canoeing and kayaking. The lake is planted yearly with brown and rainbow trout, as well as some mackinaw
and brook. PG&E campgrounds are right there, and some of the little lakes such as Kirkwood and Woods Lake have small campgrounds. Kayak rentals are available at Plasses Resort, Silver Lake, Caples Lake and Kit Carson Lodge. Kirkwood has a mountain bike park, although I have never opted for the chair to the top. I ride the Thunder Mountain Trail and the Horse Canyon Trail. The trails are challenging and technical. You will dismount to push it in spots, I guarantee it. Not for a beginner, especially with the elevation playing havoc on your cardio. Early summer is always the best for the trails as they get pretty loose towards the end of the season from the traffic.
The display of fall color is fantastic in the Carson Pass area. So get up and get out for a hike before you can’t find the trails anymore. GETTING THERE: Take Highway 4 then over the Antioch Bridge, taking the CA-160 exit. At the Rio Vista Bridge intersection turn right on CA-12 E to Lodi. Go straight through Lodi under the Highway 99 overpass. Take a left, following the CA-88 E signs to Clements/Jackson. Continue through Jackson towards Pine Grove and Tahoe. It takes approximately three hours. Sharon Anderson is a Clayton resident and lifelong hiker, mountain biker and skier with a passion for the Sierra Nevadas.
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