Top Trails: Lake Tahoe. Mike White

the eastbound and westbound lanes of I-80. Beyond the culverts you make a moderate climb to the crossing of a seasonal creek and then come to a well-signed, four-way junction, 1 mile from the trailhead. 5

      Remaining on the Pacific Crest Trail, you proceed straight ahead at the four-way junction, following signed directions to Castle Pass. The PCT rises and then drops to the north shore of a small pond, where you should veer right at an unmarked Y-junction with a path bound for the Donner Summit Rest Area.

       OPTIONS

      Cross-Country Routes

      Ambitious peak baggers can double summit by following a boot-beaten path from Castle Peak along the north ridge to the top of 9,017-foot Basin Peak. On the way back, dropping west from the ridge about halfway between Castle and Basin Peaks to head cross-country to a connection with the Pacific Crest Trail in Round Valley provides an easier alternative to a return over Castle Peak.

Beyond the unmarked junction, you follow mildly graded trail through mixed forest, toward Castle Valley. Eventually the trail brings you alongside the creek for a brief time and then travels just east of the verdant meadows of Castle Valley. Use trails branch away from the PCT at various points, headed toward the creek and meadows. At 2.3 miles from the trailhead you cross a well-traveled dirt road, and then continue upstream through Castle Valley, hopping over lushly lined tributaries along the way. Nearing the head of the valley, the PCT bends to the west on an ascending traverse to a signed three-way junction with a trail from the Castle Valley Road. 6 From there, a short but stiff climb brings you to Castle Pass and a junction with a trio of paths, 3.3 miles from the trailhead. 7

       Summit

At Castle Pass take the use trail to the right, which ascends the west ridge of Castle Peak. As you climb the rocky ridge the conifers diminish, allowing you increasingly good views of Castle Peak ahead and other peaks and landmarks scattered around the Donner Pass region. A steep, zigzagging ascent heads around to the north side of the mountain, where switchbacks then lead you toward the summit. After a rocky stretch of climbing, a splendid view greets you at the top of the 9,103-foot peak. 8 Clear days offer a 360-degree view, all the way to Lassen Peak in the north, Mount Diablo and the coastal hills to the west, the peaks of Desolation Wilderness to the south, and the Carson Range to the east. Don’t forget to pack along a map of the area to help you identify the numerous landmarks visible from the summit.

      Castle Peak

       MILESTONES

1 0.0

      Start at Pacific Crest Trail Trailhead

2 0.2

      Veer right at Glacier Meadow Loop junction

3 0.3

      Veer right again at Glacier Meadow Loop junction

4 0.5

      Turn left (north) at PCT junction

5 1.0

      Proceed straight ahead (west) at Summit Lake Trail junction

6 3.2

      Veer right at Castle Valley Road junction

7 3.3

      Castle Pass, leave PCT and turn right on use trail

8 4.8

      Summit of Castle Peak

      TRAIL 5 NORTH TAHOE

      Castle Valley, Round Valley, and Andesite Peak

      TRAIL USE

      Hike, Run, Bike, Horses, Dogs Allowed, Child Friendly

      LENGTH

      9.6 miles, 6.5 hours

      VERTICAL FEET

      ±1,700

      DIFFICULTY

      – 1 2 3 4 5 +

      TRAIL TYPE

      Loop

      SURFACE TYPE

      Dirt

      FEATURES

      Canyon

      Mountain

      Summit

      Wildflowers

      Wildlife

      Great Views

      Historical Interest

      Camping

      Steep

      FACILITIES

      Restrooms

      Picnic Tables

      Water

      Though most of this route travels outside the proposed Castle Peak Wilderness, plenty of pleasant terrain is encountered along the way, including two picturesque meadows and an excellent view from atop Andesite Peak. Both Castle and Round meadows offer the chance to see raptors in search of prey or deer browsing the tender foliage. Throw in the Peter Grubb Hut for a bit of Tahoe Sierra history and you have the makings of a fine adventure.

      Best Time

      Mid-July–September generally provides snow-free hiking.

      Finding the Trail