Indefatigable super-hikers may elect to continue their journey to Warren Lake, though a reasonable assessment of the trip will lead most recreationists to conclude that a visit to the lake is best done as a two- to three-day backpack. From the saddle, follow the trail on a winding descent across mostly open slopes dotted with conifers. At 4.4 miles reach the crest of a minor ridge and a faint junction with an old trail from the vicinity of Frog Lake. Veer west and continue the descent for 0.6 mile to the bottom of Coon Canyon. From there follow an undulating 1.5-mile traverse around the head of North Fork Prosser Creek basin to a saddle due south of Warren Lake. Beyond the saddle the trail plummets more than 1,000 feet in a mile to reach the south shore of Warren Lake.
Start at Pacific Crest Trail Trailhead
Veer right at Glacier Meadow Loop junction
Veer right again at Glacier Meadow Loop junction
Turn left (north) at Pacific Crest Trail junction
Turn right (northeast) at Summit Lake Trail junction
Turn right (east) at Warren Lake Trail junction
Summit Lake
Return to Warren Lake junction, turn right (north)
Frog Lake Overlook
Warren Lake
TRAIL 4 NORTH TAHOE
Castle Peak
TRAIL USE
Hike, Dogs Allowed
LENGTH
9.6 miles, 3 hours
VERTICAL FEET
±2,205
DIFFICULTY
– 1 2 3 4 5 +
TRAIL TYPE
Out-and-back
SURFACE TYPE
Dirt
FEATURES
Canyon
Mountain
Summit
Wildflowers
Great Views
Photo Opportunity
FACILITIES
Restrooms
Picnic Tables
Water
A climb to one of north Tahoe’s highest summits provides summiteers with an expansive view of the northern Sierra, which on clear days includes distant Lassen Peak in the north and the coastal hills to the west.
Best Time
Mid-July–early September is the prime time for an ascent. Though this is a favorite winter ascent of backcountry skiers and snowshoers, most of the lingering snowbanks across the trail have disappeared by mid-July.
Finding the Trail
West of Donner Summit, take the Castle Peak/Boreal Ridge Road exit from I-80. Drive to the frontage road on the south side of the freeway and proceed east 0.3 mile to the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) parking area. The large parking lot has trailer parking, pit toilets, and running water in season.
Logistics
Two alternatives will shorten the trip. The first option is to park near the start of the Castle Valley Road, just north of the I-80 ramps, and walk the road to Castle Pass. With a high-clearance vehicle, the second option is to drive the Castle Valley Road to a parking area near the Hole in the Ground Trailhead. From there a shorter hike along the road leads to Castle Pass.
Trail Description
Head north on the PCT around the fringe of the meadow and pass through a pair of large culverts,