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.
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.
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.
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.
Castle Peak
Start at Pacific Crest Trail Trailhead
Veer right at Glacier Meadow Loop junction
Veer right again at Glacier Meadow Loop junction
Turn left (north) at PCT junction
Proceed straight ahead (west) at Summit Lake Trail junction
Veer right at Castle Valley Road junction
Castle Pass, leave PCT and turn right on use trail
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