Overview: This is a popular overnight circumambulation of volcanic Round top peak, the highest peak in the Mokelumne Wilderness. The trail crosses the jagged Sierra crest at on of its lowest points and camps at 4th of July Lake. Day one we would hike 9 1/2 miles to 4th of July lake via Forestdale divide. Day two would be a short 4 1/2 miles up and over the ridgeline back to Carson Pass.
We left the car and began our hike from Carson Pass. Round Top looked impressive as we made our way towards the peak.
We skirted the Elephants Back (9585 ft) and could see far to the horizon, looking south towards Yosemite. We passed many wildflowers along the trailside. It would be neat to know all the names of them, we must of passed 20 different kinds. We passed about 6 people coming the opposite direction and they were hiking the PCT. We talked with "Billy Goat" who completed the trail in 03 and this was the last time he explained. He told us he was mentally exhausted at this point. I told him we were hiking the JMT later in the summer and he told us to tell the VVR cook, "Shape up or ship out" Funny guy. We
We soon dropped into a large valley into the forest at the bottom. Then it was all up to 4th of July. I was a bit disappointed that people were in our spot #1 that we had reserved, but #6 was just fine. Waterfalls on one side, lake on the other and Round Top nearby. Tomorrows hike is only 5 miles back to the car. As I write it is 8:30 and rays of light are still hitting Round Top's peak.
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Looking back at 4th of July Lake as we head up over a pass the next morning.
Quite a manicured spot besides Round Top lake
VThe trip was a good warm-up for the JMT through hike that we would begin in just a few weeks. It was a great short scenic trip to get the legs moving and make sure all our gear was what we would want to bring while on the JMT.
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