If you've never been snowshoeing, here's the best opportunity for you to try it out... under a FULL MOON!

THE SCHEDULE

• Hike in: We'll be hiking to the Peter Grubb Hut (3.1 miles)
• Resting: We'll be warming up in the hut for about an hour
• Hike out: We'll plan on heading out around 11:30 - midnight
  
  Please note: You will potentially get back to Sacramento as late as 3:30AM - 4AM.

ABOUT THE HIKE

We'll begin our hike near Boreal Ski Resort at approx. 8:00PM. We'll travel through mixed forest, which leads to the open meadow of Castle Valley. Excellent views of the west face of Castle Peak appear as you pass slightly above and west of the valley bottom on a mild grade. Leaving the meadow behind, we continue to ascend up the valley through light-to-moderate forest cover. Near the head of the canyon the grade increases. At two and a quarter miles from the trailhead we'll stand on top of Castle Pass, where an excellent vista appears of the peaks and ski areas of the Donner Summit region and... the FULL MOON! We'll then continue along the ridge northeast toward Castle Peak. Eventually the route leaves the ridge and makes a mild descent through light forest for a half mile to the edge of the hill overlooking beautiful Round Valley. We then descend more steeply to the edge of the valley and work our way over to Peter Grubb Hut.

Elevation gain: 700 feet. Castle Pass to Peter Grub Hut is rated a 'More Difficult' hike, made worse by the fact we are snowshoeing in, so please be prepared.

CARPOOL INFO

• If you are willing to drive, please state in RSVP how many you can take. Carpoolers please watch the link to see what carpool you're in. Drivers, please also watch this post and flag any necessary adjustments that need to be made to your carpool.
• We meet at 6:00PM and leave at 6:15PM
• If you plan on carpooling, have $20 cash for your driver
• We will park at the Sno-Park at the east end of the Frontage road immediately south of the freeway. Parking here is $5. There may be free parking under the freeway as well.

ESSENTIALS TO BRING

• Snowshoes: If you don't own a pair, You can rent them at REI for $15 (member price)
• Small Hiking Pack: You may want a small pack for your water and snacks.
• Layered Clothing: (not cotton) It's better to shed some layers than freeze your butt off. Cotton will get wet and STAY wet, so stay away from it.
• Ski or hiking Poles (optional): They do help a little with balance on steeper slopes (Also rentable @ REI for $10)
• Hat (optional): like a ski cap or waterproof cap with a brim
• Waterproof gloves: Your ski gloves should work fine
• Snow shoes or leather boots: Make sure our shoes are well snow sealed. Bring gaiters if you have them. The snow will be wet and cold (obviously), and if you wear tennis shoes, your toes will get cold and go numb in no time!
• Wool socks: Prevents the numb toes
• Water: 2+ liters
• Snacks and food
• Headlamp: The moon will provide most all the light you'll need, but it's a good idea to carry extra light.
• Motorola Walkie Talkies (optional): if you have one, bring it! We use channel 7-38 so we can stay in touch!