Peter Grubb Hut and Castle Pass via PCT

To Peter Grubb Hut and “just beyond”  

Tuesday September 3, 2024

DIFFICULTY:  Moderate

HIKE DISTANCE: 7.3 miles out and back.

ELEVATION GAIN:  Elevation 7200-8200, total gain 1000 feet.

PACE: Moderate

TRAIL CONDITIONS: First half mile starts on a rocky fire road. Once we reach the Pacific Crest Trail, it is a gradual uphill climb. Few small stream crossings.  Some vegetation overgrowth, roots and rocks sticking up along the trail, but most of the trail is dirt packed and easy to navigate.

DESCRIPTION:  We will hike along the eastern side of Castle Valley and then up to the saddle below Castle Peak.  From there we will descend into Round Valley, make a brief stop at the Peter Grubb hut. The Hut was built in 1939 as a memorial to Peter Grubb, who died on a bicycling tour of Europe at the age of 18. Lunch spot is at the North end of Round Valley on a granite rock out crop, with a view of the valley.  Round Valley is GORGEOUS, and the views of Castle Peak and Basin Peak are fabulous.

FACILITIES:  2 pit toilets at Cisco Grove exit, 11 miles before trailhead.

TRAVEL TIME/DISTANCE:  Approx. 75 minutes driving and 60 miles. Return time to Lincoln approximately 4:00 pm. 

DONATION: A donation of $12 is suggested for riders.

HIKE LEADER/SWEEP:  Leader Laura Hamilton - 925-586-5411 – 22LLP22@gmail.com. Sweep TBD.

MEETING TIME:  7:15 AM in Orchard Creek Parking Row 14 – Depart 7:30 AM 

PREPARATION FOR HIKE:          

·      Being prepared physically as well as having the right equipment makes for a better experience, not only for you, but for your fellow hikers.

·      If you have any health issues, please consider your condition before hiking at high altitude or at a fast pace.

WHAT TO BRING:

·      PLENTY OF WATER!  Recommend 50 oz. /1.5 liters minimum for 5-mile hike – more if longer. Electrolytes suggested. Higher altitudes are dehydrating even when cool. 

·      Hiking boots/shoes, hat, sun protection, and insect repellant. Small first aid kit. Wind/rain jacket always advisable in the mountains. Trekking poles recommended.

·      ID (driver's license), health insurance card and an emergency contact / phone number.

·      Extra pair of shoes to change into after hike and a plastic bag for muddy/dusty hiking boots to keep your driver’s car clean.

HIKE ROUTE: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/afternoon-hike-at-peter-grubb-hut-and-castle-pass-via-castle-valley-road-and-pct-0a1bf96

DRIVING DIRECTIONS: https://www.google.com/maps/dir/965+Orchard+Creek+Lane,+Lincoln,+CA/Castle+Peak+Trailhead,+California/@39.0959704,-121.1457215,10z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x809b22b0605de4b5:0xad17cd6186cc31a6!2m2!1d-121.2775682!2d38.8682174!1m5!1m1!1s0x809be911245f80fd:0xb9ffaafe34f1c101!2m2!1d-120.3478178!2d39.3404604!3e0?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MDgyMC4xIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

PREHIKE PHOTOS