Round Lake Trail (Lakes Basin)
DESCRIPTION:
Pleasant, forested hike with glimpses of neighboring lakes. Deep lake with mining remnants and Brook trout fishing (planted 2000).
| Miles | Elevation Range | Options |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 6560’-6860’-6700’ | (All more difficult): A popular option that doesn’t require climbing to the Sierra Crest follows the connecting trail from Round Lake and heads north to Silver Lake. After passing the lake at the intersection turn right and loop back (east) via Cub, Little Bear, and Big Bear Lake to your beginning. More options: After Silver Lake turn at the trail intersection to the left (northwest) around Long Lake or climb Mt. Elwell or return directly to Elwell Lodge or Lakes Basin Campground. More challenging options: take connecting trail to left (southwest) just before reaching Round Lake. Trail quickly ascends to 7340' joining the Pacific Crest Trail near Oakland Pond. Once reaching the Crest, bikes must use Deer Lake OHV Road immediately to the west of Pacific Crest Trail. From there several options exist: north, south, or even west dropping into Gold Valley (see above and North Yuba River). |
DIRECTIONS:
To Round Lake Trail (Lakes Basin)
Topographic Map: Gold Lake. Follow trail signs by large display map continuing west on an old 4WD road that is now closed to vehicles. Proceed 0.25 mile to the right-hand intersection to Bear Lakes. But veer left continuing up an abandoned 4WD road. Follow up the dividing ridge on past the abandoned mine. At the next fork, turn right (north) to drop into Round Lake. If you had gone to the left (continuing west on the old road would take you to the Sierra Crest.
ACTIVITIES:
Mountain Biking (Rating: Good)
The trail itself is too rocky in places but some riders like to tie into the Sierra Crest and the Deer Lake OHV Road.
