4th of July Lake

This hike can start from either Woods Lake (half way between Carson Pass and Kirkwood on highway 88) or from the Carson Pass ranger station. I prefer the Woods Lake trail head. The trail climbs from either trail head to the base of Round Top mountain (at Round Top Lake). From Round Top Lake, it proceeds to the right around The Sisters then drops down over 1,000 feet to 4th of July Lake. Hikers should note that the return hike traverses a series of switch backs out of the bowl that surrounds the lake (the same switch backs taken down to the lake). There is little shade and it can be quite warm during the summer. Be sure to have plenty of water, a hat and sun screen.