Soda Springs

From the trail map sign, follow the dirt path straight, following signs for the cross-country skiing route, not snowmobiling. Continue until you see a trail marker. You'll veer left to head over to the Hole in the Ground trail. Once you see another identical trail map board, you'll head left. This is the official start of the Hole in the Ground trail, about 1 mile from where you parked your car...

The trailhead is very easy to access as it is just off Highway 80 at the Boreal Mountain exit. When taking the exit, take a turn to the North, rather than to Boreal on the South side of the Highway. On busy summer weekends this trailhead can get quite crowded so you may have to park at the bottom of the road less than 100 yards from the Highway 80 off-ramp. The first mile of the trail is actual...

The first 1.6 miles along the Pacifc Crest Trail is the same route to Summit Lake Trail. When you see the fork for Warren Lake and Summit Lake, head to the left. Although the Summit Lake trail looks easier, which it is, don't let that detour you. Start climbing up the 1,500ft incline then drop back down 1,500ft. The good news about grinding it out on the climb is that it usually keeps the crowd...

The Peter Grubb Hut is located below Castle Peak in Round Valley, 3 miles north of the Castle Peak trailhead near I-80. Overnight parking is available at the California Sno-Park at the Boreal-Castle Peak exit on I-80. Park on the frontage road east of the Boreal Inn and walk back under the freeway to the trailhead. Although only a short distance, the route is poorly marked by orange triangles m...

Drive to the top of Donner Summit via the Old Hwy 40 and park at the Donner Summit PCT trailhead, just past the Sugar Bowl Academy Building. Begin hiking up-hill through a somewhat forested area for about 2 miles. Shortly after you pass the trail sign for the Mt. Judah Loop, you will come to a small clearing where the trail starts to level out and you begin ridge-walking. The trail becomes very...

The Mount Judah Loop Trail is perfect for all skill levels. The trails are great for hiking, trail running and snowshoeing. In the spring and summer, wildflowers are abundant. Snow patches can exist until late August or September so be prepared with adequate footwear. There are amazing rock formations! If you take a detour and climb the rocks to catch a view of Donner Lake, watch for a hidden b...