On the Trail: A visit to Castle Rock

If you've ridden the Heavenly Gondola you've probably looked out to the left and seen a black rock sticking out of the trees in the distance. Coming down, it is easier to see, and it really sticks out from the observation deck.

The black rock is called Castle Rock, and it has been a hiking destination for locals for years. It's not the kind of path that visitors will stumble on as it isn't all that important or demanding a trail. But the rewards are some great views of the Carson Valley, and if you're a scrambler you can top the rock and become king of the hill.

You'll need to use all you've got to surmount the rock, but even if you don't there are so many fine views from around the base that it's worth the short hike.

This is a nice family outing but don't send the kids up the rock. It is a dangerous climb.

No water here, and the Forest Service has posted signs and closed the trail to vehicular traffic. Do bring a lunch because there are few places around Lake Tahoe when snacking and packing are as much fun or rewarding.

To get to the trail head take Highway 50 to Kingsbury Grade, just before the casinos. Take Kingsbury up to a sign on the left for Brautagin Park, on North Benjamin Road. Benjamin becomes Andria. It expands into an open space where three trail heads start, one for Castle Rock, another for the Tahoe Rim Trail and the third for Genoa Peak. All are fine trails, but we're talking Castle Rock here.

The Castle Rock trail is 13N80 and is down a bit on the left just as the road widens. A metal Forest Service gate blocks the trail to cars. This, incidentally, is the headwater of Burke Creek which flows into Lake Tahoe. No water here now.

The hike is mostly nice, easy with some houses up on the left. There's not a lot of vertical until you get to the rock itself. Then it's a scramble up loose dirt to the base of the rock. You can walk around the base of the rock and enjoy some fine views of the Carson Valley, but for the best panorama you should climb to the top.

This is not an easy climb and if you're at all sensitive to heights, don't try it. The views are fine all around the base.

The first section is all downhill. You start out heading west, then make a sharp uphill turn to the north. Continue on the road until a final modest downhill stretch winds up at a small open area where logs are piled on all sides.

At this point you have yet to get your first glimpse of the rock - it's hidden by pines. And at this point the trail gets steep, 30 degrees or more. Stick on the trail, don't shortcut the switchbacks. About halfway to the base you'll get your first sight of the rock straight ahead and Lake Tahoe on the right.

At about 7,850 feet you'll reach the actual base of the Rock surrounded by thick duff and decomposed granite.

For the real 360-degree version you may want to climb it - carefully. The climb from the right is more demanding, the one to the left requires some descent through brush.

The trail to the right requires hand grabs; check your foothold before trusting it. One short section narrows to a tight squeeze, so make sure your gear isn't hanging out there. So keep gear tied in tightly.

Use care getting down from the rock. Going down is often more difficult than going up.

• Contact Sam Bauman at

841-7818 or sambauman@att.net