Castle Peak Cross-country
DESCRIPTION:
Popular cross-country trek for seasoned hikers; the Sierra Nevada literally spreads below, and vehicles speeding along I-80 appear as scurrying insects. If you only bag one peak in this area, climbing Castle Peak is the one that will give you the most satisfaction per aching muscle. But don’t try it unless you’re fit and know what you’re doing.
| Miles | Elevation Range | Options |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 7900’-9109’ | Adventurous loop option: After you conquer Castle Peak itself, drop down the backbone of Castle Peak and follow the Sierra Crest north to Basin Peak. It’s Castle Peak’s biggest neighbor and you’ll be able to see the whole hike from the top of Castle Peak. Again the users’ trail is unmarked but unmistakable. In fact, this stretch is a walk in the park -- except there are no trees. The views in every direction, awesome. At Basin Peak (crest marked with small sign), drop down through the rock to the left (southwest) and pick up the well-traveled Pacific Crest Trail. Follow it left (south) back to Castle Pass. Or for the truly adventurous with their topographic map in hand: From Basin Peak you can drop down the ridge to the north until you pick up the faint road (now a user’s trail) that heads east (right) to Devil’s Oven Lake. This makes a nice destination and overnight stop. From there you can return west and pick up the Pacific Crest Trail and head back to Castle Pass. Or the most adventurous can drop down (east) to the Warren Lake Trail. Turning right (south) on it will take you the long way back to the Pacific Crest Trail and I-80. But if you started on the Castle Valley Road, now you have to return there via the main roads, or sneak through Castle Valley until you hit one of the primitive roads. Again make sure you have a good map and know how to read it. Hint: After leaving Basin Peak, don’t try to continue down the obvious ridge north (the Pacific Crest itself) to Paradise Lake. There’s a Yosemite-sized cliff guarding Paradise. As an option, you can drop down the old 4WD road from Basin Peak to the northwest and tie into the Pacific Crest Trail. That’s a long trip; so tackle it only if you intend to stay a night or two. Yet, of all the lakes in this area there’s a reason this one was called Paradise. It’s worth the trek; so see the Pacific Crest Trail to Paradise Lake directions. |
DIRECTIONS:
To Castle Peak Cross-country
Topographic Map: Norden. Trek begins at Castle Pass west of Castle Peak. Castle Pass lies 3.4 miles north of Donner Pass and is either reached via Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) (no bikes) or Forest Service Road #80-50 through Castle Valley. This 4WD road (most people hike or bike this road) is shorter than the PCT and 4WD or stout SUVs can drive to the foot of Castle Pass. From Castle Pass, turn right (northeast) up the well worn but unmarked users’ trail following the ridge to the buttresses atop 9109' Castle Peak. Staying to the "trail" is easy enough except there will be several optional trails taking off to the left in search of an easier pathway. But there’s no way to bypass the steep ascent over the first knob then the stair steps up the rock-firm shoulder of the ascent to the peak. I try to avoid looking up the numerous zigzaggy switchbacks from the small saddle. Makes me too tired. After the tiny saddle past the first knob that offers the last respite, the ascent is up a series of "steps" covered by the most threadbare carpet except during "spring" flowers in late June and July. Staying slightly to the left gives you better tread than the often loose gravel up through the rocks.
ACTIVITIES:
Historic Sites (Rating: Good)
Peter Grub Hut
