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. Bear Hug

    This 5.5-mile loop through Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch County Park explores one of the newest segments of the acclaimed Bay Area Ridge Trail, one redolent with trees ranging from madrone and manzanita to buckeye and blue elderberry (with a bubbly post-hike bonus).

    View
  2. Field of Light at Sensorio in Paso Robles

    Light This Way

    Hidden in the bucolic hills of Paso Robles lies one of the greatest light shows on earth. The lighted art exhibition, Sensorio, is as if the rainbow magic of the aurora borealis was plucked from the sky and planted in the fields.

    View
  3. Bikers and walkers on the Bay Area Ridge Trail with the Golden Gate Bridge behind them

    National Park City Walk

    See San Francisco the way locals do by hiking the Presidio, a national park right in the city! Wooded trails, secluded beaches, and epic views of the Golden Gate Bridge feature on this 5.5-mile out-and-back on the Bay Area Ridge Trail. It’s a lovely slice of the City by the Bay.

    View
  4. Bucks Up!

    Come on in, the water is beautiful. Whether you like swimming, kayaking, stand-up paddling, or heading out on a bigger boat, Bucks Lake is a high mountain haven that’s easy to access, blissfully uncrowded, and surrounded by sandy beaches, picnic areas, pines, and aspens.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Coming Up Roses

    Looking to spice up your hiking life? Give your partner a rose—Mount Rose! The 10-mile out-and-back peak hike goes up to one of the grandest views in all of Lake Tahoe. Get ready f

    View
  2. Two kayakers on Upper Klamath Basin on tour with Sky Lakes Wilderness Adventures

    Zen & the Art of Kayaking

    It’s the most meditative and relaxing experience you’ll ever have on a kayak. Yes, you read that right, a Zen experience on a kayak. It all happens in beautiful Klamath County when you head out on a guided tour with Sky Lakes Wilderness Adventures.

    View
  3. Lake Nacimiento
    Sponsored

    Savor Summer in Paso Robles

    Ready for the “Great California Road Trip”? Keep it real and rolling in bucolic and beautiful Paso Robles. This down- to-earth destination has everything you need to enjoy the coolest experiences.

    View
  4. A Rose in the Pines

    A crackling fire, a bottle of wine, a bubbling Jacuzzi tub with a waterfall … now the big question: Marvin Gaye tunes or not? In the morning (ahem) it's breakfast in bed and a leis

    View