The "Hole in the Ground" trail is a great technical ride, which passes several small lakes and has some outstanding views of the Donner Pass area and Castle Peak. The ride, if done as a loop, is approximately 17+ miles. Some people elect to make the ride car-to-car and cut out several miles of paved-road riding. The ride is not much of a test of endurance as it is a test of your technical skills! Miles of boulder/rock sections and switch backs make this ride one of the best around N. Tahoe/Donner area. A full-suspension bike is almost required, however, the first time I road it was on a hard-tail....and I still loved it!

Trail Description

The ride starts out on a mellow dirt road (Castle Peak Road, off of Exit #176) for about a mile or so before you reach the beginning of the single track (marked by a sign - "Hole in the Ground Trail").

The single track immediately begins with some switch backs until you reach the NE ridge of Andesite Peak, which connects over to Castle Peak. Once on the ridge you can make a quick ride up to the top of Andesite Peak for some great views over to Boreal Ski Resort and the rest of Donner Pass, or continue on. The trail then begins a descent off of the north-side of the ridge and down into the fun technical stuff!

The trail has several very technical sections that may require some riders to get off and walk. However, there fun as hell! The trail also has several turn offs that lead to small alpine lakes that provide I nice place to take a rest.

The trail eventually ends at a paved road - Sherritt Lane, which immediately hits Donner Pass Road (Exit #174). Some people don't complete the loop and leave a second car near Sherritt Ln or Donner Pass Rd. for car shuttling back to Exit #176. But to complete the loop just turn left onto Donner Pass Rd., ride over the bridge above I-80 and follow Donner Pass Rd. for several miles until you reach Bunny Hill Road. Turn left onto Bunny Hill Road. Follow this road, which turns into a dirt road, until you reach the parking lot of Boreal Ski Resort. Ride through the parking lot and turn left onto Castle Peak Road, which is back at Exit #176 and to your car.

This trail can also be ridden the opposite way, just flip the directions above.

Getting There

The ride begins off of Exit #176 from Highway 80. Just look for the Boreal Ski Resort exit sign, either from the West or East-bound lanes of I-80. If coming from the West (Auburn & Bay Area), exit #176 and turn left to go under I-80 (or right if coming from the West - Donner & Reno), which turn into Castle Peak Road. The road turns right and begins to climb before you reach the end of the pavement. Usually, riders will park here, but you can also drive up the dirt road until you reach the beginning of the single track, which is marked by a sign for the "Hole in the Ground Trail".

When to Bike

This is mostly a summer ride. Depending on snow coverage from the previous winter, the trail can be ridden as early as May. However, in a big snow year (i.e. 2005/2006) there might be snow covering the trail until June. Its also a great Fall ride due to the colors in the canyons.