Moderate:
6.5 miles, Full day
Other Information:
Family Friendly
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.