Castle Peak, Tahoe National Forest

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Lake Tahoe

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Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 6.5 miles / 10.5 km
Duration: Full day

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Overview: Castle Peak is a popular destination all year round, a great hike and also possibly the best way to continue your alpine workouts after the ski resorts close for the season.

Beginning near Donner Pass on the Interstate 80 it doesn't take long before you're deep in the trees and away from the sounds of the freeway.

Completing this hike by making it to the summit of Castle Peak can be particularly difficult during winter months, so under those conditions we'd consider this a difficult hike.

Elevation:
• 1,800ft (from 7,200 - 9,000ft)

Tips:
• Parking is particularly limited in winter, with most opportunities located in the Sno-Park on the south side of the freeway. We don't recommend parking in the Boreal Ski lot.
• Sno-park permits are required between Nov 1 - May 30 and are available directly from sno-park vendors. A map of vendors is provided in a link below.
• In winter conditions the weather can change quickly so be sure to dress appropriately, use snowshoes, be familiar with the risks associated with cornices and the other risks of hiking in snow.

Points of Interest

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I-80 Trailhead

Only a stones' throw from the interstate 80 near Donner Summit, Castle Peak offers a snowshoe hike as challenging as many backcountry trails. Park up at the Castle Peak/Boreal ski resort exit, and strap on the snowshoes at the trailhead located on the north side of the freeway.

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Gradual incline

The noise of the freeway quickly disappears as you head up the gently sloping uphill trail, which gradually warms up muscles that you'll need for the steeper grades later on.

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Andesite Ridge

The well defined trail leads you up onto Andesite Ridge from where you can find even more great views. If you still have an appetite for more, then continue towards the final ascent of Castle Peak.

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Castle Peak Summit

The final hike to the summit may not really be at a 45-degree angle but it sure feels like it. Climbing snow and ice in snowshoes at this angle of elevation can be pretty difficult. During one of our frequent breaks, we watched enviously as another hiker demonstrated how much easier the ascent is with an ice-ax in hand.

Views at the top are awesome, but be careful to keep an eye out for your safety or you might not make it there. In winter conditions the weather can change quickly so be sure to dress appropriately, use snowshoes, be familiar with the risks associated with cornices and the other risks of hiking in snow.

Pictures in this guide taken by: Trailspotting

Trailspotting content © Stuart Green 2010 including text, images, videos and route detail.

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This is best described as a moderately difficult hike, but clearly worth the effort once you reach the ridge. The only tip I would offer is to carry sunscreen as there was little protection from the sun. Aside from that, expect a great workout and enjoy the views!
Visited on Apr 04, 2010

by whitmor on Apr 05, 2011