Tahoe National Forest

Mileage: 7.0 miles one way
Elevation: 7200-8570-7200 feet
Difficulty: Very difficult
Use Level: Light
Season: July October
Topographic Maps: Norden, Independence
Access: Unattended parking is not permitted at the Interstate 80 rest areas on Donner Summit. To access the trails in the Donner Summit area there is a Forest Service trailhead, with restrooms and water. To reach the trailhead take the Castle Peak Area/Boreal Ridge Road exit, which is immediately west of the highway's Donner Summit Roadside Rest Area. On the south side of the highway there is a sign reading: Tahoe National Forest Trailhead
Donner Summit
Pacific Crest Trail Follow the directions on the sign for .4 mile to the trailhead. This trailhead provides access to the following trails: Pacific Crest Trail, north and south; Glacier Meadow Loop (15E32); Summit Lake (15EO9); Warren Lake (14E24); and Sand Ridge Lake (14E11).

Trail Description: The hike to Warren Lake can be challenging. From the trailhead the first 1.5 miles follows the route noted in the Summit Lake Trail description. Approximately one mile beyond the Pacific Crest Trail/Summit Lake Trail intersection is the start of the Warren Lake Trail (14E24). This trail begins with an ascent through a pleasant alpine forest consisting of lodgepole pine, red fir, and mountain hemlock. Beyond the forested area the trail crosses a saddle (8570 feet in elevation) with spectacular views.

From this ridge the trail begins a 3.5 mile descent into the valley alongside the northeastern slopes of Castle Peak and Basin Peak. In this area the trail traverses a unique glaciated basin which offers a sense of backcountry remoteness rarely found in the Tahoe Sierra. Watch for the huge, dark-layered volcanic rocks and the underlying granite rocks. There are also many creeks to cross, with spectacular displays of subalpine wildflowers.

After reaching another saddle the trail begins a quick descent of some 1000 feet and winds steeply down toward Warren Lake. On the western side of the lake there are a number of inviting campsites with opportunities for fishing, rock climbing, or just taking a well-deserved rest. Since the trail is rather strenuous and fairly long, it is recommended the hiker consider this a two-day hike. Warren Lake is an ideal destination for a hiker who is looking for an out-of-the-way camping experience and who recognizes the challenge this trail offers. It should be noted that snow may cover parts of the trail until the end of July.

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