"Great short hike up the PCT and then up the spur to Donner Peak. Wildflowers in full bloom. This is a really cool peak with some interesting tiramisu-like turrets at the summit. Wandered around a bit to find an easy way to the true summit, some fun slab scrambling. Great views down to Donner Lake and south down the Sierra Crest." — scott • Jul 13, 2022

"Very enjoyable winter outing to Castle Peak and Basin Peak from the Boreal parking lot. The snow was very firm in the early morning, and I was able to make it to the summit with bare boots/microspikes in under 2h. I did climb the cl. 3 summit block (east tower). I'm not a great climber, but there are plenty of good holds up the near-vertical 30 ft route. From Castle, I followed the ridge to Basin Peak, still in bare boots as the ridge was only half snow-covered. I put on the snowshoes and dropped SW off the summit, going cross country down sunny slopes and along a forested creek to the tranquil and snow-covered round valley. I crossed the meadow to the Peter Grubb Hut, then followed the PCT back to Castle Pass. Finished off the day with a hike up Andesite Peak. ~5:10h RT. A very satisfying hike for not too much effort. 10/10!" — klotito • Jan 17, 2021

"Very enjoyable winter outing to Castle Peak and Basin Peak from the Boreal parking lot. The snow was very firm in the early morning, and I was able to make it to the summit with bare boots/microspikes in under 2h. I did climb the cl. 3 summit block (east tower). I'm not a great climber, but there are plenty of good holds up the near-vertical 30 ft route. From Castle, I followed the ridge to Basin Peak, still in bare boots as the ridge was only half snow-covered. I put on the snowshoes and dropped SW off the summit, going cross country down sunny slopes and along a forested creek to the tranquil and snow-covered round valley. I crossed the meadow to the Peter Grubb Hut, then followed the PCT back to Castle Pass. Finished off the day with a hike up Andesite Peak. ~5:10h RT. A very satisfying hike for not too much effort. 10/10!" — klotito • Jan 17, 2021

"Long snowshoe from Donner Pass to Mt. Judah, Anderson Peak, and Tinker Knob. The highlight was climbing up the broad chute on the north face of Mt. Anderson. Firm snow in the morning turned to a slushy mess with by the afternoon, making for a very tiring climb back up Mt. Judah." — klotito • Jan 16, 2021

"Parked at the Hwy 40 turnout. Walked through the old train tunnels and the walked on top to the base of the North East face. Ascended via the face in winter conditions. Descended via the north ridge back to car." — barrytimko • Mar 29, 2020