Winnemucca Lake and Elephant's Back

Dogs Leashed

Features Lake · Views

If you want to see the top of the world, or at least the Sierra Nevada range, this is the hike. Several lakes and several peaks can be accessed from the trailhead.

Parking requires a Sno-Park pass during the winter. The lot is small, so arrive early.

This year-round hike begins easily, on a fairly level trail which climbs at various places. Some sections of the narrow trail wind under scattered stands of pine before opening to broad vistas of treeline meadows or ridge-top sky views. Winnemucca Lake offers many lunch sites with comfortable boulder seating.

From there hikers can opt to climb to Elephant's Back or to Round Top Lake on the Elephant's Back Route Spur. This short out-and-back add-on will treat you to more impressive views. Once you are done enjoying the scenery, simply retrace your steps and head back to the way you came.