Tahoe Tramping – Elephant’s Back

“Doubly happy … is the man to whom lofty mountain tops are within reach …”        John Muir

One of the more prominent landmarks in the Carson Pass area is Elephant’s Back, a large, volcanic mountain of stratified cobble breccia conglomerate that reaches a height of 9,580′.  There no trails up to the top, so you have to go cross-country up to the summit, crossing over volcanic rubble and cobbles.  It is slow going, and one misstep can lead to a sprained ankle or a nasty fall on sharp rocks.  That’s the bad news.

The good news is that the views from the summit are breathtaking as you look down into the surrounding Mokelumne Wilderness lands, Hope Valley, and other distant mountain ranges.  From the top you can see Freel Peak, Pickets Peak, Hawkins Peak, Markleville Peak, Round Top, Little Round Top, Red Lake Peak, Steven’s Peak, and on a clear day, up to and beyond Pyramid Peak to the north. The views are well worth the effort, struggle, and hassle to reach the top.  

Also, you can’t get lost on your ascent, as the mountain top and slope are always in view.  From the northeast side of Winnemucca Lake, follow the obvious ridge-line, and you will gain about 1,000′ in elevation.  Take it slow on your descent as your legs may be tired and the volcanic rubble can be loose in places.

For those  of you who may be a little intimidated by the sound of climbing up Elephant’s Back, head to the Carson Pass anyway and take the relatively easy three mile hiking trail from the Visitor Center up to Winnemucca Lake, and enjoy the amazing annual wildflower display that this area is known for.  Be prepared for many other hikers (I saw 100+ on a Thursday) on this increasingly popular trail.

If you want solitude, go up to Elephant’s Back.  Whenever I scramble up there, I never see another soul.  Tom