Elephant's Back

This is a relative easy 'peak' hike that includes some spectacular wildflowers (in the spring) along the way. There is no real trail to the summit, since everyone seems to take a bit different way up.

The trailhead begins at the paved parking lot on Highway 88 at Carson Pass.

The first couple of miles of trail is well defined and fairly flat. This is the section that people from far and wide come to in the spring for the wildflowers. Once past the flower meadows, and on our way up, people thinned out pretty quickly.

A little further on, Round Top shows as an imposing destination. Luckily, it wasn't our destination for today.

As we approached Winnemucca Lake, we took the spilt to the left which heads to the camp sites on the north side of the lake. From the camping area, you get to decide which approach you want to take.

Wanting to get an overview of the lake, we went up a little rock hill. After taking in the view, we headed toward the least steep side of Elephant Back (which took us down the back side of the hill we had just climbed).

The lower slope is strewn with large granite blocks. Although no actual rock climbing is required, this particular approach does require some care.

A little further up, picking our way through the bolder field did take a bit of doing. Everyone seemed to have there own idea of a tolerable path.

Once past the granite field, we hit the flanks of the elephant. It is an expanse of small, loose volcanic scree that is unavoidable.

The top is a large, relatively flat area with a shallow crevice or two. There are also a hardy plant community, struggling to survive.

We took a shorter, albeit steeper way back down, staying between the plants where possible. They struggle enough without us trampling all over them.

Getting closer to the main trail, avoiding damage to the vegetation gets much more challenging.

In all, it was a pleasant day for an 'easy' peak hike with some great views and wild flowers!