Little Round Top, California

Overview

The 9590 ft Little Round Top rises in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California near Kirkwood Ski Area 14 aerial miles south of the south shore of Lake Tahoe. A trail starts at an elevation of 8350 ft and takes you to a 9130 ft saddle. You can then leave the trail and follow a beautiful hilly ridgetop to reach the summit of Little Round Top where you will have great views of the surrounding mountains and Lake Tahoe.

Trip Report

Trailhead Elevation: 8350 ft

Summit of Little Round Top: 9590 ft

Roundtrip Hiking Distance: 5.07 miles

September 5, 2023

Kris and I left the vacation rental house near South Lake Tahoe at 5:50 AM (sunrise 6:30 AM) and drove to California Route 88. On the north shore of Caples Lake, we turned north onto Schneider Cow Camp dirt road, which seemed passable by any car and drove 2 miles until we reached Schneider Camp Trailhead.

Started our hike at 6:45 AM. Did not see any other hikers all day. We were on a beautiful hilly meadow in the shade. It was 35 degrees F but felt colder although there was no wind.

Headed east following the trail uphill. Looking southwest at Martin Point toward Kirkwood Ski Area.

A few switchbacks below the saddle, looking at the slopes of Little Round Top.

After 1.15 miles, we reached a 9130 ft saddle. The sun finally began to shine on us, and we did not feel cold anymore. Looking southwest toward Kirkwood Ski Area. Thimble Peak, Thunder Mountain and Martin Point seen.

Looking east at Red Lake and Stevens Peaks.

The trail went downhill after the saddle, so we left it and instead headed northwest on the crest of a broad grassy ridgetop that had scattered trees. Mt. Tallac, Dicks and Jacks Peaks came to view.

Lake Tahoe could be seen 14 miles to the north.

The summit of Little Round Top finally appeared.

Continuing toward the summit.

Reached the broad summit at 8:23 AM and 2.54 miles. For the whole time that we were there, a helicopter was doing construction work probably at Sierra at Tahoe Ski Area 5.5 miles to the northwest making constant annoying noise.

Mt. Tallac, Dicks, Jacks and Pyramid Peaks.

Lake Tahoe and Mt. Rose. A balloon could be seen above the lake.

Freel Peak and Jobs Sister.

Red Lake and Stevens Peaks.

Caples Lake, Roundup, and Thimble Peak.

Looking west at the Sierra foothills.

Roundtop Peak.

After eating and enjoying the views, we left the summit at 9:00 AM going back the way we had come up. Another view of Lake Tahoe, Freel Peak and Jobs Sister from the ridgetop.

Red Lake and Stevens Peaks.

Reached the 9130 ft saddle at 9:40 AM, 3.91 miles. Red Lake and Stevens Peaks again.

Thimble Peak, Thunder Mountain and Martin Point.

Hiked back to the trailhead where we arrived at 10:21 AM.