Castle Peak Trail to Pacific Crest Trail Loop

This is a map of the FULL trail if you were to park at the trailhead sign. This is about 4.25 miles further than 4x4/AWD into the hike. This is a variable trail. During the summer you can hike up to the summit of Castle Peak and climb the 3rd Turret to the true summit or you can hang out on the 1st and just take in the view or Lake Tahoe to the South (among many views). The way to Basin Peak from Castle Peak is pretty great as well! You can look down into Round Valley on the left (where you will traverse with this trail), or out towards Frog Lake and Prosser Reseviour to the right. Basin Peak affords you a phenomenal view of Castle Peak from the North as well as Round Valley. The trail down the north side of Basin Peak is a little steep but once you get down to the PCT it evens out a bit for a way until dropping a little more. There are a few nice switchbacks closer to Round Valley and the trail becomes pretty flat once on the valley floor. Halfway through the valley, you will find the Peter Grub Hut on the right side before ascending again via switchback back to Castle Peak Pass and the stretch back to the car.