- Location: Tahoe Rim Trail. South Lake Tahoe, The Brautovich Trailhead
- Destination: Castle Rock, Toiyabe National Forest, Zephyr Cove-Round Hill Village, NV 89448, USA
- Distance: 4 mile loop in and out.
South Lake Tahoe – This hike is for everyone. Has mild elevation gains and some Rock path areas that can be little difficult, but I saw several kids in the 10 year old range complete this hike with ease.
Trail
Starting at the Brautovich Trail head- go west up the hill towards lake Tahoe. The first 1/2 mile is up hill as you climb over the first butte. This is a moderate gradual climb that gives some of the first glimpses of what is going to be a great day to take pictures of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding peaks.
The trail loops around and is mostly down hill for approx. the next mile, you will see a branch off the trail heading North, that will take you towards spooner summit. (Don’t turn here) The path will literally take you in a “u” at this point as you are on the back stretch of the loop. Near the bottom of the hill you will find a path again heading west and up hill. This is the Castle Rock trail. This is the most strenuous portion of the trail but provides you plenty of opportunity for water breaks and shade along the way.
About a 1/2 mile up the mountain you will be given the choice to go around Castle Rock to the left or to right. I suggest the Right for the best photos and if you like to be a little adventurous with your climb you can climb up to the top of Castle Rock  and feel like you are on top of the world
