ANDESITE PEAK HIKE

Tuesday, Sept 4

DIFFICULTY: Moderate

ELEVATION GAIN: Starting elevation - 7200 feet.  Highest elevation - 8219 feet. Elevation gain (accounting for all ups & downs) - approximately 1700 feet.

HIKE DISTANCE: 7 1/2 miles.

GENERAL LOCATION: Donner Pass area.  The trailhead is at the Castle Peak/Boreal Ridge exit, on the north side of Hwy 80.

DESCRIPTION: This loop hike traverses several wonderful trails -- Castle Valley Road, Hole in the Wall Trail, Sand Ridge Trail, and the Pacific Crest Trail.   The trails have primarily shade with some open sun areas.  Andesite Peak is the highlight of this hike! For those who are familiar with Castle Peak, Andesite Peak is west of Castle Peak and 884 feet lower and much easier to summit. Views from the top are marvelous!   For hikers not wishing to climb the peak, as the trail to the top is steep and very rocky, they can wait below the summit (the trail to the summit is short).  The entire route of this hike offers a variety of scenic delights  --- forests, granite rock, meadows, and distant views of mountain peaks.

TRAVEL TIME/DISTANCE: Approximately 1 1/2 hour drive to the trailhead and approximately 75 miles.  Suggested contribution for riders is $9.  Detailed driving directions will be handed out to all drivers.  Return time to Lincoln Hills will be about 4:00 pm.

HIKE LEADER/SWEEP: Sue Geisler/sweep to be announced.

SPECIAL NOTES:

FACILITIES AVAILABLE: No bathroom at the trailhead.  We will stop at Nyack to use the bathrooms prior to reaching the trailhead.
PREPARATION FOR HIKE: Refer to #8 Standard Hiking Equipment and #9 - Guidelines for Hiking in the "Hike Information and Guidelines" Handout.   Trekking poles highly recommended, especially if planning on climbing Andesite Peak.  Bring lunch, plenty of water, sunscreen, and mosquito repellent.  No poison oak at this elevation.

RISKS: Some mosquitos.  High elevation.
QUESTIONS: Call Sue Geisler at 408-1010.

MEETING TIME: 7:00AM – leave at 7:15AM.