Summary 
| Difficulty | 3 Intermediate |
| Length | 6.3 miles round trip |
| Starting Elevation |
8600 feet |
| Cumulative Elevation Change |
+1400, -1500 feet |
| Navigation | Road, marked trail, map and compass |
| Time | Full day |
| Season | Late December through April |
| Snowmobiles Use | Not permitted [Please report illegal use of snowmobiles in this area.] |
| USGS Topo | 7.5' series, Carson Pass and Caples Lake |
| Start | Carson Pass Sno-Park on Highway 88. |
| End | Meiss Sno-Park, 0.1 mile west of Carson Pass on Highway 88. |
Description
The features of this loop make it one of the author's favorites in the Carson Pass area. The loop allows you to cover miles of interesting terrain without retracing your tracks. Much of the route is through open areas that offer beautiful scenery. Also, part of the trip is in an area that is not frequently traveled.
Descending from Round Top Lake toward Black Butte
By the time you reach Round Top Lake, a landmark on this longer tour, you will have left most tourers behind and the best skiing is just ahead. To the north of Round Top Lake is prominent and beautiful cleaver-like Black Butte. This short ridge can't help but catch your eye. This tour will take you very near it.
The Winnemucca Lake and Woods Lake Loop is a shorter and easier loop in the same general area although both are rated intermediate. However, the tour described here is definitely more interesting.
Mileage Log
Numbers in parentheses
correspond to mileage points on map
Waypoint 1 to 2
Miles: 0.0 - 0.5
Elevation change: +300, -50 feet
From Carson Pass Sno-Park (1) ski south into the trees and climb for approximately 0.5 mile until you reach more open and level terrain (2). Don't get discouraged — the first little bit is the most difficult.
Waypoint 2 to 3
Miles: 0.5 - 1.8
Elevation change: +250, -100 feet
Continue skiing south and traverse the open slopes on the west side of Elephant Back for 1.3 miles until you reach Winnemucca Lake (3), which lies in a depression below Round Top.
Waypoint 3 to 4
Miles: 1.8 - 2.5
Elevation change: +500, -100 feet
Cross the outlet creek at Winnemucca Lake and climb west up the barren slope for 0.7 mile until you reach the northwest spur of Round Top (4). Be aware that the steep slopes of Round Top are susceptible to avalanche.
Waypoint 4 to 5
Miles: 2.5 - 2.7
Elevation change: -50 feet
Descend southwest for 0.2 mile until you reach Round Top Lake (5).
Waypoint 5 to 6
Miles: 2.7 - 3.8
Elevation change: -750 feet
Follow the outlet drainage from Round Top Lake north for 1.1 miles until you reach a flat area to the east (right) of Black Butte (6).
Waypoint 6 to 7
Miles: 3.8 - 4.0
Elevation change: -150 feet
From the south end of the flat area, ski to its east side and drop down the short, steep, obvious route for a total of 0.2 mile until you reach Lost Cabin Mine (7). It is at most 0.1 mile from where you begin to drop until you reach the mine.
Waypoint 7 to 8
Miles: 4.0 - 4.6
Elevation change: -250 feet
Descend north and then east on a narrow, snow-covered road for a total of 0.6 mile until you intersect Woods Lake Road (8). Part way you enter a campground and the road may be difficult to discern. But Woods Lake Road will probably be well traveled. To the south (right) is nearby Woods Lake. You may want to make a short detour to see it.
Waypoint 8 to 9
Miles: 4.6 - 5.1
Elevation change: -50 feet
Turn north (left) onto Woods Lake Road and follow it for 0.5 mile until you reach a road junction (9). This junction may not be obvious.
Waypoint 9 to 10
Miles: 5.1 - 6.3
Elevation change: +350 feet
Turn east (right) and ascend along the road for 1.2 miles until you reach Highway 88 (10). At this point you are across the highway from the Meiss Sno-Park and 0.1 west of the Carson Pass Sno-Park. Carefully walk along the highway to your vehicle at Carson Pass.
