Hole In The Ground Trail

Dogs Unknown

Hole In The Ground begins at a trailhead approximately 1/4 mile north of the I-80 Boreal Ski Resort exit. There is a large sign and map at the trailhead for your reference. The trail begins climbing switchbacks on smooth dirt through a pine forest. You'll ascend above tree line while traversing Andesite Ridge until coming to a high point with a lookout across Castle Valley to Castle Peak.

The trail then descends among large granite features. At the 5.5 mile point from the trailhead, there is an option to take a trail on the left to Sand Ridge Lake, a 1/4 mile connector well worth the view.

After continuing on Hole In The Ground, you'll cross a forest service road and at the 10 mile mark, there is another connector to the right providing access to Lower Lola Montez Lake which is 1/10 of a mile off the trail.

After this, the trail quickly descends on loose, rocky terrain with large step-downs built from railroad ties. At the bottom of this section make a left on a gravel road and follow it for approximately 1 mile to another short section of trail leading to Sheritt lane, a paved road.

In order to return to your starting point, you'll have to travel just under 5 miles on road. Take a right on Sheritt, you'll end up at a fire station where you have the option to park and shuttle or continue to Donner Pass road to return 5 miles to Boreal Ski Resort.