Castle Pass Snowshoe.mp4

Winter Castle

Snowshoe Hike to Castle Pass in Tahoe National Forest

Woman snowshoeing at Castle Pass overlooking mountains in Tahoe

{NOTE/March 2, 2023: Due to recent storms, many California parks, or roads leading to them, may be temporarily closed. Check the status and do some research before heading out to any parks in the coming weeks, and visit when it's safe to do so.}

So you want the keys to the castle? Well, this castle is open to all! All you need is a clear day and a pair of sturdy snowshoes (rent from a local sport outfitter). Then make the 2.25-mile (one-way) hike up to Castle Pass near Donner Summit in Tahoe National Forest. The views from the pass are royally good: You can see the North Lake Tahoe landscape, with distant skiers at Boreal and Sugar Bowl.

This is a straightforward hike that mostly follows a snow-covered fire road. You’ll gently ascend 750 feet over 2 miles to the pass. You’ll also be following the Pacific Crest Trail. As you snowshoe through the forest, breaks in the trees give way to views of Castle Peak.

Woman snowshoe hiking up a trail to Castle Pass in Tahoe

After a final steep but brief late push, you’ve ascended to Castle Pass, and a greeting of glorious views. It’s truly a ta-dah moment. From here, snowshoe the ridgeline as far as you’d like and feel comfortable (being mindful of time). On clear days with good conditions you can comfortably get as far as the final rocky and jutting outcroppings beneath the crowning turrets of Castle Peak.

Getting up to the peak is more strenuous and should only be attempted by those who are comfortable with high-angle slopes. The views from the pass just below the peak are nearly as good. This is a popular hike, so you’re likely to see at least a few other folks. Bring something to sit on so you can take a break and enjoy the scenery.

With Castle Peak looming just above, you can spy the ski areas of Northstar, Boreal Ridge, and Sugar Bowl, and spin around to check out the Round Valley vistas too. Return the way you came.

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST: In the episode "Wide Open 2021" Weekend Sherpa co-founders Brad and Holly recorded part of their podcast from the top of Castle Pass! Listen to their discussion about the snowshoe adventure as well as other wide open spaces to explore in Northern California.

This is doable as a day-trip from the Bay Area. From Donner Pass on I-80, take the Castle Peak exit and follow signs to the Sno-Park ($5 day fee; map). You’ll have to walk back under the freeway to the north side of the westbound off-ramp to reach the road that climbs up to the trailhead (do not try parking your car on this road, it can easily get stuck in the snowbanks here). Dog-friendly!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Afternoon on the Island

    What is it about tiny islands in the middle of lakes? There’s something that just draws you in. It’s even more fun when getting there is half the adventure because you have to reach it by canoe, kayak, paddleboat, or a ranger-guided boat tour!

    View
  2. Golden Gate's Blue Heron

    Golden Gate Park’s Blue Heron Lake is home to birds of many feathers, turtles lounging on rocks, visitors from afar, and locals who love this urban oasis in San Francisco. Try the "Boats and Breakfast" rowboat or pedal boat deal.

    View
  3. Rio Del Mar-velous

    Rio Del Mar State Beach in Aptos might be one of the best places for a treasure hunt. Its location between two other beaches makes for a good stroll featuring a spectacle of wildlife as you search the sand for sea glass and seashells.

    View
  4. Hiker taking a photo of sunset at Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve

    Sunshine and Skyline

    Head to Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve for a 4-mile out-and-back hike on the Bay Area Ridge Trail that offers a front-row seat to spectacular sunsets.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Gentle Giants

    Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers both....

    View
  2. Walking the Los Angeles River Trail Through Frogtown

    Frogtown Strutter’s Stroll

    Don’t go dismissing the Los Angeles River as merely a 51-mile concrete channel. It’s a genuine urban artery that links real neighborhoods, and its riverside bike/ped paths endear i

    View
  3. Griffith's Golden

    With over 4,200 acres and hundreds of trails, Griffith Park is the gold standard. Opt for the lesser-hiked northwestern end of the park and visit the 2.25-mile Skyline and Oak Canyon loop from Travel Town.

    View
  4. Sponsored

    Fall for It All in Reno Tahoe

    The best kind of getaway? Less time on logistics, more time on memory-making. Jackpot! You’ve got Reno Tahoe.

    View