West Ridge

Approach

As noted on the main page, the West Ridge is the primary route to the summit of Round Top.  Most hikers take this to the lower west summit of Round Top.

From Carson Pass at 8,650’ hike about 2 1/4 miles to Winnemucca Lake and continue past the lake and follow for almost another mile towards Round Top Lake, 9,350’. Before reaching the lake, a trail heads up to Round Top.

From the Woods Lake Trailhead, at just over 8,200’, take the road on the right which leads to a trail. The trail soon splits ahead, with one trail heading to Winnemucca Lake, and the other Round Top Lake. Follow the trail to Round Top Lake. There are other trails along the way that head down to Woods Lake. Avoid these, and stay on the main trail, which steadily ascends up to Round Top Lake in about 2 miles. 

From Woods Lake the standard West Ridge route is at least a mile shorter than from Carson Pass.

Route Description

Once on the trail above Round Top Lake, there are a couple of climbers trails. One goes over the small rise headed southeast and one skirts around it. Once around this small rise there is a large open scree slope. There is often a large snow field here even well into the summer. Be careful near the middle of the snowfield as there is a snow melt stream near the snow there. Head up this slope toward a saddle between Round Top and The Sisters, a set of craggy volcanic peaks right above Round Top Lake. Once the saddle is gained the fun begins. From here a little route finding is in order and one can pick their own line to the summit. The best route is a little to the right of the main ridge. The slope is about 30 degrees just before reaching the west side of the summit crags.

Once on the lower west summit, descend to the gap between the two summits.  There is a bit of knife edge here, but nothing too difficult.  Traverse around the east summit then climb it from the SE side.  This is more difficult with snow because when traversing, the ridge slopes downwards.  It isn't that long an area to cross, but it's easier when snow-free.  Once on the other side of it, a Class 3 rock wall leads to the SUV-sized summit block.

Essential Gear

Some good sturdy foot wear is all that is needed during the summertime. If a winter climb is in your plans, cross-country skis or snowshoes are in order for the approach with crampons and an ice axe for the summit. The glissade down to the northeast towards Winnemucca Lake from the saddle is great if the snow isn't too soft.

Additions and CorrectionsPost an Addition or Correction

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Trawinski - Mar 11, 2014 5:43 pm - Hasn't voted

Class 2-3

I agree. Class 2 most of the way up from Winemucca, then Class 3-4 at the summit block. The difference between Class 3 and 4 seems a little murky to me, but if down-climbing facing into the rock means Class 4, then I think it would be 4. It's not a far drop down from the summit block, but it's enough to break your back, or kill you.

hgrapid - Jan 28, 2022 12:10 pm - Hasn't voted

Re: Class 2-3

The page owner hasn't been active for 10 years. I am going to adopt this page and update details. I made sure to change the walk-up status.

markvictor - Aug 18, 2017 1:02 am - Hasn't voted

East Summit

After reading the above, I think a rock climber will be relieved to find that the two most obvious routes to the East Summit from the notch below have holds that are large plentiful positive and obvious, steepness and exposure not the most serious. Viewed from the West Summit, the routes could seem intimidating. Up close, they are not so much. There is some loose material, but it is mostly avoidable. I saw no unavoidable scree slides. No holds broke in my hand but I tested each hold, and easily found three points of contact ninety percent of the time. I saw the rappel pole referred to above but can't imagine a climber actually trusting it over his own hands and feet, although the pole looked solid enough. Anyway—having been intimidated by the post above, wus that I am, I found the reality quite different. The buddy I hiked up with, not a rock climber, refused to even look at the East Summit.

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