Fourth of July Lake
Continue beyond the familiar Carson Pass lakes to a deeper basin overlooking Summit City Canyon. This is a substantial mountain day, with a descent to the destination and a climb waiting on the return.
- Distance
- ≈ 10 mi
- Route
- Out and back
- Time estimate
- 6–8 hours
- Effort
- Hard
Why go
Fourth of July Lake changes the rhythm of a Carson Pass hike. Winnemucca and Round Top Lakes are milestones on the approach, not the final destination. Beyond the higher basin, the route drops toward trees and a lake set above the canyon. Snowmelt can add a waterfall to the surrounding slopes early in the season.
The important decision comes before descending. Arriving at the water still leaves the climb back toward Round Top Lake and the walk to the pass. Set a turnaround time while fresh, allow for a longer route than simple segment totals suggest, and make this an overnight only after arranging the required designated campsite.
The walk
Out and back · Carson Pass Information Station, Highway 88
Follow the Carson Pass route past Frog Lake to Winnemucca Lake, then continue to Round Top Lake. Save time and energy for the more committing section beyond.
Take the Fourth of July Lake trail from the Round Top Lake area. Descend toward the basin, checking your map at junctions instead of following other parties.
Turn around at the lake and retrace the approach. The return climbs out of the basin before passing the two higher lakes and reaching Carson Pass.
A route overview for planning. Carry an offline topographic map and follow current trail signs.
Getting there & going prepared
A parking fee or applicable pass is required at Carson Pass. Day-use wilderness permits are not required; overnight camping requires a permit and an assigned management-area site. Keep dogs leashed. Contact the Amador Ranger District or seasonal information station for overnight arrangements and current access details before planning a stay.
Keep in mind
The return includes a substantial climb after the lake; do not treat the outward descent as easy return mileage.
Sources & route notes
Approximately 10 miles is the sum of official one-way segments: Carson Pass–Winnemucca 2.5, Winnemucca–Round Top Lake 1, Round Top–Fourth of July Lake 1.5, doubled. Recorded routes including lakeshore/campsite access run about 11–12.5 miles; plan conservatively. This is not the 15-mile loop around Round Top. Cumulative gain not consistently verified and omitted.
- USFS Fourth of July Lake trail
- USFS Carson Pass distances and permits
- Recorded Carson Pass backpacking variant
Source review: Oct 16, 2026. Not a field report or a statement that the trail is open. Times and difficulty are editorial planning estimates.