Hole in the Ground Trail
DESCRIPTION:
This trail, loved by bike enthusiasts, requires strenuous effort and technical skill. It’s also a good hiker’s trail, but not recommended for horses due to locations where bad spots were hardened with concrete block. Horse use is not recommended on the initial segment to Castle Pass.
The initial climb to Andesite Ridge just below Andesite Peak is the highest elevation reached, then the trail descends to Castle Pass. At this point, if users want only a short trip, they can loop back via the 4WD road through Castle Valley.
To continue northwest toward the Hole in the Ground Lake, the trail passes near the Peter Grubb Hut. It continues by the Sand Ridge Trail intersection and swings west above (north) Sand Lake. A short trail connects to the pleasant lake, but bikes and horses should be kept back from the fragile lakeshore. The main trail continues southwest to the Hole in the Ground and links to Lower Lola Montez Lake Trail north of that lake.
For mountain biking enthusiasts wanting to complete a loop: return via Lower Lola Montez Lake Trail to old Highway 40 then continue over I-80 following Old Highway 40 (Donner Pass Road) east for 1.5 miles. Turn left (north) at the dirt road to the United States Forest Service Norden Snow Lab (not shown on map but prominently signed) and continue 2.0 miles to Boreal Ski Area. Cross north back under I-80 to the Castle Valley parking area. Loop distance: 23+ aching miles. But ache for ache, this is the chocolate truffle of mountain biking.
| Miles | Elevation Range | Options |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 7500’-7900-7140’ |
|
DIRECTIONS:
To Hole in the Ground Trail
Topographic Maps: Norden, Independence Lake, Soda Springs, Webber Peak. The trail begins 1.5 miles up the sometimes gated 4WD road through Castle Valley (see Castle Peak Cross-country trek) requiring high clearance vehicles as a minimum; so most mountain bikers park at the intersection above I-80 (A) and bike up the road.
ACTIVITIES:
Equestrian Trail Riding (Rating: Good)
Can be numerous mountain bikes on the trail. Equestrians prefer the upper end near Castle Valley and Pass. Can be combined with the PCT.
Hiking: Dayhikes (Rating: Good)
Most likely hikers will want to continue until you decide to turn around and then return the same way. However, you can make a small loop out of returning through Castle Pass and using the 4WD road through Castle Valley.
The grade and climb to Andesite Peak is moderately difficult and makes a nice hike. The views of Castle Peak with Castle Valley in the foreground are outstanding.
Mountain Biking (Rating: Exceptional)
This trail was recently built with mountain biking in mind.
