1.4 hr
Overview
Starting from Castle Pass, and the crowded junction of the PCT, start right up the west ridge of Castle Peak. Trees diminish and the views get grand, both of this peak and the entire region. A steep and rocky scramble gets you to the final summit, with 360-degree views. On clear days, you can see Mount Diablo in the bay area, the snow-covered Lassen Peak way to the north, and all the mountains that ring Lake Tahoe.<br><br>Once you've taken in the splendor offered by the summit, head back the way you came to reach the intersection with the Hole In The Ground Trail, or the PCT: Highway 80 to Highway 49 (near Sierra City).
Trail Stats
2.2 km
328 m
2745 m
2417 m
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Photos
Steep sloping along the Castle Peak Trail.
Steep sloping along the Castle Peak Trail.
Numerous volcanic ranges ripple away from the southern aspect of Castle Peak.
Numerous volcanic ranges ripple away from the southern aspect of Castle Peak.
On her way to the summit of Castle Peak!
On her way to the summit of Castle Peak!
Round Valley from Castle Peak Trail.
Round Valley from Castle Peak Trail.
Taking a breather at the summit.
Taking a breather at the summit.
Castle Peak
Castle Peak
Looking out towards Castle Peak across a ton of snow in May.
Looking out towards Castle Peak across a ton of snow in May.
Views from Castle Peak.
Views from Castle Peak.