W6/NS-055 Round Top

Round Top was the first of three peaks I did on the Caples Lake Traverse with Jamie, N6JFD. After dropping off a car at the Thunder Mountain Trailhead at Carson Spur, we drove back up to Carson Pass. A few minutes after 7 we started down the PCT towards Winnemucca Lake.

Round Top, peeking through the trees.

The trail is easy and well traveled, and we made good time to Frog Lake. There was a thermal inversion which was holding the smoke in the valleys, so the views got clearer the higher we got.

Jamie pointing out all the peaks.

Another mile down the trail and we got to Winnemucca Lake. This area looks like it would be really nice to spend the night in. We paused for a few photos, then continued up to Round Top Lake.

Winnemucca Lake with Elephants Back on the left.

Just before we got to Round Top Lake we stepped off the trail and started ascending a ridge, up towards the peak. After climbing around some small trees, we found the use trail that leads to the summit. Looking back, we realized that if we had continued a few more yards down the trail we could have taken the use trail all the way up.

Getting closer.

The use trail took us up past a snowfield, then started going up some switchbacks to the steep part. The last few hundred feet are a class 2-3 scramble. It was very windy on top, so we took photos then found sheltered spots to set up.

Summit of Round Top.

We were able to set up far enough apart that we could both work HF at the same time. I started on 40, and quickly filled the log. I then called on 70, and got a contact. Jamie, in the meantime, had been on 2 meters, and handed off a contact to me. As I was trying to pack up, people kept calling me on 2.

Looking down at Caples Lake.

Eventually the callers stopped, and I was able to finish taking everything down. It was windy enough that I kept my raincoat on until we reached the lake at the bottom again.


One of the streams flowing into Round Top Lake.

Back at the lake we took the trail around towards Peak 9795, our next destination.


Trailhead: Carson Pass
Website: SOTA Site.
Maps: AA6XA SOTA Hikes map.
Route: Take the PCT and other trails towards Round Top Lake. There is a well-worn use trail that leads up to the summit. Class 2-3.
Red Tape: None. Camping in this area requires a special permit.

The Sisters.