Mokelumne Wilderness Hike

Spontaneous hikes are the very best kind, aren't they? When a fellow hiking enthusiast messaged me last week to see if I would like to join her hiking in the Mokelumne Wilderness I didn't even think twice! Heck yes! Drop everything and go. 

I made sure to shower that morning with my Camping Beer Soap to keep the bugs at bay as well as throw a bottle of my Bug Off Lotion Spray in my day pack. And man was I glad I did! Loads of mosquitos but not one bite! 

The hike did not disappoint. Fields of wildflowers blooming in lush green meadows. And oh the views! Miles and miles in every direction of the Sierra Nevada dotted with snow. First up on our hike was Frog Lake ... a cute little lake that we walked around. Great spot for a picnic and refreshing swim! And when I say refreshing ... be warned. The water is icy cold!  

Next up on our hike was Winnemucca Lake nestled at the base of a granite peak. The crystal clear water beckoned us and looked so inviting. I bravely dipped a toe in and that's as far as I got! lol! The water was icy cold from all the snow melt. 

After a short lunch break on the shores of the lake, we continued hiking up to Round Top Lake. Such a beautiful lake! I'm already planning a return trip ... but next time an overnighter so I can enjoy the lake and maybe go for a swim if I'm brave enough!

We decided to keep going a bit further and scrambled up the peak to see 4th of July Lake before heading back. 

On the way back, we scrambled another peak and caught a glimpse of Lake Tahoe in the distance. It's hard to spot ... but that bit of blue on the horizon line under the hazy mountain range in the distance is Lake Tahoe:

All in all a great day! 10 miles RT with 1100ft elevation gains. Tired, but happy! Now I'm ready to soak those sore muscles in a relaxing bath with my Lemongrass Peppermint bath salts!