46 min
Parking for this trail is at the top end of the Donner Lake Road exit on the I-80. This trail gives access to the DLRT (Donner Lake Rim Trail) Castle Valley to Donner Ridge segment. The DLRT will eventually be a 23 mile loop around the lake - very exciting! The land trust folks not only get stuff done, but they make some of the finest trail I've ever experienced.<br><br>From the well-marked trailhead, the trail gently climbs up about 500 feet to the DLRT. Expect great views of the Rubicon as you look back. At the top there is a 3-way intersection with beautifully made steel trail markers. From here you can continue on a grueling climb to the right that goes up to Tahoe Donner Ski Ranch or make a left over the bridge and hike up to Summit Lake and the Hole in the Ground Trail.<br><br>In the wintertime, this trail can be covered in plenty of snow, so be sure to bring appropriate footwear and snowshoes!