The Gold Lakes Basin in the northern reaches of Tahoe National Forest holds more than a dozen named lakes scattered across open granite terrain above 6,500 feet. The Round Lake trail from Carr Lake is the easiest route into this basin: 4.5 miles round trip with only 500 feet of gain over rolling granite terrain. The route passes Feely Lake, Island Lake, and several unnamed ponds before arriving at Round Lake at approximately 7,000 feet. It's a trail that fits hikers who want genuine mountain lake scenery without committing to the sustained elevation gain of the Sierra Buttes or Granite Chief routes. Families, dog owners, and hikers returning from an injury will find this trail well-matched to their purposes. The tradeoff is the access road: getting here requires a few miles of dirt road, which keeps casual traffic down.
Trail Overview
The trail is 4.5 miles out-and-back with approximately 500 feet of elevation gain. Starting from Carr Lake at 6,700 feet, the trail gains elevation gradually through the first half of the route and is essentially flat near the lakes. There are no sustained steep sections, but the granite terrain underfoot requires consistent attention to footing. Plan 2 to 3 hours round trip at a comfortable pace.
Getting to the Trailhead
From I-80, take exit 161 (Highway 20) west of Truckee. Drive west on Highway 20 about 4.5 miles to the Bowman Lake Road turnoff on the right (Forest Road 18). Turn right and drive Bowman Lake Road north for approximately 6 miles. The road is paved for the first mile or two and then becomes packed gravel. At the junction with Forest Road 17, turn right. Drive Forest Road 17 for about 3 miles to the Carr Lake area. The trailhead parking is at the end of the road.
Forest Road 17 is a maintained dirt road but can be rough and is not suitable for low-clearance vehicles. In early season it may have soft spots or downed trees. Call the Nevada City Ranger District at (530) 265-4531 for current road conditions before your trip.
GPS coordinates: 39.4113, -120.6012.
The Route
Miles 0 to 0.5 (Carr Lake to trail junction): From the parking area, a short walk on an old dirt road leads to the western trailhead of the Round Lake trail. The path passes through the Carr Lake Campground area. At the first junction, follow signs for Round Lake and Island Lake.
Miles 0.5 to 1.2 (open granite terrain): The trail enters a zone of open granite slabs and sparse lodgepole pine. The going is pleasant: views open up across the basin, and the terrain has the airy quality characteristic of the Gold Lakes Basin. The trail is marked by cairns in areas where the granite surface obscures the tread. Watch for trail markers on this section.
Miles 1.2 to 1.7 (Feely Lake and Island Lake): Feely Lake appears on the left, a small clear lake good for fishing. A short detour leads to its north shore. The main trail continues to Island Lake, which is the most scenic stop on the route: a mid-sized lake with a small rocky island visible from the south shore. This is a good lunch spot with flat granite benches overlooking the water.
Miles 1.7 to 2.25 (Island Lake to Round Lake): The trail continues east from Island Lake through open terrain to Round Lake at approximately 7,000 feet. Round Lake is the terminus of the standard route, a calm oval lake ringed by granite and lodgepole. The Grouse Ridge Trail intersects here, and more ambitious hikers can continue onto the full Grouse Ridge loop.
When to Visit
June: Depending on the snow year, this trail can be clear from late June. The dirt access road often becomes passable in early June. Mosquitoes near the lakes are heavy in June.
July and August: Prime season. The lakes are at their most inviting, wildflowers bloom around the margins, and the basin is at its most alive. Mosquitoes thin by mid-July. Afternoon thunderstorms are possible; the terrain here is mostly below treeline, which provides some safety margin compared to exposed summit routes.
September and October: The best season for solitude and fishing. Crowds disappear after Labor Day. Colors change in the willows and aspens around the lake margins. Frost is possible by late September, and the first snowfall typically arrives in October.
What to Bring
- Water: 1.5 to 2 liters. The lakes are a water source but require filtration. Giardia is present in Sierra Nevada water.
- Navigation: A trail map is helpful at the granite slab sections where the tread is less obvious. Download offline maps before leaving cell service.
- Sun protection: The basin is exposed to full sun most of the day.
- Fishing gear: If you're planning to fish, bring a California fishing license and a light rod. Trout are present in most of the named lakes.
- Layers: Mornings and evenings at 7,000 feet are cool. A light jacket is appropriate.
Practical Details
Trailhead: Carr Lake area at the end of Forest Road 17. Vault toilet adjacent at Carr Lake Campground. No water at the trailhead. Free parking.
Parking: About 15 vehicles. The lot rarely fills entirely due to the access road quality filtering visitors.
Dogs: Permitted and welcome. The gentle terrain suits most dogs. Carry water for your dog; the lakes must be filtered.
Permits: None required. Free California Campfire Permit required for stove or fire use outside the campground.
Cell Service: None. Download offline maps before leaving Highway 20.
Getting There
From Sacramento, take I-80 east to exit 161, then follow the directions above. Total distance from Sacramento: approximately 110 miles, about 2 hours including the Forest Service road.
From Truckee, take I-80 west to exit 161, then follow the same directions. From Truckee: approximately 35 miles, 50 minutes.
Beyond Round Lake
From Round Lake, the Grouse Ridge Trail provides access to the full Grouse Ridge loop, adding 7 more miles and significantly more elevation change. If you're looking for a longer outing, this extension is worth planning ahead with extra food and water.
The Grouse Ridge full-day loop is the natural step up from this easy route for hikers who want more mileage in the same area. Together, Round Lake and the Sierra Buttes Lookout make an excellent two-day combination in the Gold Lakes Basin area: one easy day and one demanding day in the same part of California's northern Sierra. For bear safety basics, the bear canister requirements guide covers what to know for overnight trips in this area.