Key Reasons to Go: Go south toward Lake Winnemucca to see one of the best flower displays in the area; this is also prime territory to observe Clark's Nutcracker in action. Go north and see a very different landscape with options to go higher for volcanic formations and alpine vegetation, or drop down into the drainage area for the forests, meadows, and lakes.
Best Time to Go: You start at 8,574 feet, so May through August for flowers, into September for seasonal changes.
UTM 11 240164E 4286838N (NAD27) | Check this Google map
Carson Pass is a very popular place. Very popular! And like all popular places there are dozens of reasons to go. It's easy to get to, the trails are obvious, the scenery stunning, and there is a convergence of desert and alpine vegetation you will not find in many other places.
Simply Put: A Spectacular Place
John C. Frémont and guide Kit Carson crossed this pass in winter of 1844. They climbed to the top of Red Lake Peak (10,063 feet), looked to the north and “discovered” what is now known as Lake Tahoe. You can recreate the experience by driving up Hwy 88 and making your way up Red Lake Peak just north of the pass. You might try camping around Caples Lake (good luck!) or down on the east side in Hope Valley. You can easily just go for the day and enjoy the beautiful scenery and amazing variety of wildflowers found here. Hiking north could put you crossing over the saddle and heading down into the drainage to jump over the headwaters of the Truckee River on your way to visit Meiss Lake, Round Lake, or Dardanelles Lake. Make sure you have plenty of mosquito repellent!
There are two main parking areas ($3 day-use fee; be sure to have correct money). Park in the north lot to go up the exposed hillside and over the saddle, or park in the bigger lot at the pass for a look at Frog Lake and Lake Winnemucca.
First: A Note About Care of the Area
As you might expect, this area may be too popular and weekends can be busy! Visitors arrive in throngs and some hiking clubs actually arrive by the bus load! Groups are supposed to be limited to 10 but there is no regulation that mentions distance between groups; as a result you may find yourself walking along in a fairly steady stream of other hikers. One of the unhappy consequences of a stream of visitors is that many are not familiar with the fragility of the environment. While not as fragile as a desert area, Carson Pass provides an amazing mix of plants and a volcanic soil that provides a water storage system and a green, luxurious garden between Frog Lake and Winnemucca.
High-Elevation Life Zones are Very Fragile!
With opportunities to start at 8500' and go up to 10,000' or more, you will find plenty of plants that may be new to you as you enter subalpine or alpine zones. Please step carefully and respect the soil as much as the vegetation. The adage is, "Take only photos, leave only footprints," but there are times when even footprints are destructive. It is very important that every visitor follow these important guidelines:
• Stay on the trails in tender or wet areas. There are plenty of places to stand aside for others to pass, so please avoid stepping into the vegetation to deal with traffic. The ground is going to be wet (even mushy) and some flowers need exactly that. When you want a closer look, try to step from rock to rock as you walk.
• Do not step into the flower display to have your picture taken! You can find plenty of places where the flowers make a nice background without your leaving the trail. The plants here are not going to rebound from being flattened! Take care so that the display can be enjoyed by others.
• Resist the temptation to pick a bouquet! Picked flowers won't last 20 minutes in your hand. Kids love to pick flowers and hand them to mom or dad. This is a good time for a lesson in Nature. Please ask that they just look at the flowers.
• Dogs may be fun in your backyard but they don't add much to the experience of other hikers. They chase away wildlife and act either to protect you or to befriend every stranger, some of whom may not want to make friends with your dog! If you really think you need to take your dog to Carson Pass, be sure the dog stays on a leash. And really, maybe you could find another destination if dog exercise is a priority.
Which Way to Head?
It can be a toss of the coin. North will take you up and over a saddle where you can either start your descent on a valley trail leading to Echo Summit, or you can opt for going up to left and heading off for a ridge with volcanic fields and brilliant lichens, or you can go to your right and maybe summit Red Lake Peak. Either of these choices will put you into alpine plant territory and give you nice views out to Lake Tahoe, the Great Basin, south to the Minarets of Yosemite, or west to Caples and Silver Lakes.
Parking at the information station at the pass ($5 for day use) and traveling south will be an easier trail that takes you to Frog and Winnemucca lakes, then you decide to maybe go up Elephants Back or continue past Winnemucca for a look. Caution: deciding to drop down to Fourth of July Lake may have you regretting that elevation loss when it's time to come back!
Pick a direction and see what you think: Carson Pass North | Carson Pass South
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