Hole in the Ground
Hole in the Ground
Trail Description.
This ride is a yearly must-do for the Tahoe mountain biker. The trail’s technical challenge combined with the alpine beauty and numerous lakes make it one of the more popular trails in California. It also makes for a great hike and trail run, and the wildflowers are not to be missed! For a nice hiking loop, take the Hole in the Ground out, turn right on the Sand Ridge Trail, and the right again on the PCT, back to the trailhead. Note: this hike is closed to bicycles. With the construction on I-80, and the lack of an official right-of-way between I-80 and U.S. 40, cyclists are urged by the Land Managers to ride the Hold in the Ground as an out and back this year.
Difficulty.
Difficult to very difficult. Strenuous for bikes, very strenuous for hikers due to the length, altitude, and lack of bailout options
Directions to Trailhead.
From Downtown head west on I-80 for 10 miles to the exit marked Boreal Ridge Road/Castle Peak. Turn Right onto Castle Valley Road and park at the end of the pavement. Proceed on Castle Valley Road for 1.5 miles and the trailhead will be on the left. It is a bit obscure and is tucked away in a grove of big Red Firs. If you end up at the junction of Castle Valley Road and the PCT, you went a mile too far.The trailhead at the Soda Springs end of the trail is accessed at the Soda Springs/Norden exit of I80. Turn right at the off ramp and park on either side of the road by the fire station. Respect the No Parking signs.