Here's a hike that can be as easy as a trek across rolling ups and downs or as difficult as a rock climb. No pitons, ropes or the like needed, but to actually ascend Castle Rock you'll have to use hands and feet.

To get to the trailhead take U.S. Hwy. 50 to Kingsbury Grade, just past the casinos. Follow Kingsbury until you see a sign on the left for Brautagin Park, on North Benjamin Road. Benjamin becomes Andria. Follow it to its end in an open space. You'll see three trailheads there, one for Castle Rock, another for the Tahoe Rim Train and the third for Genoa Peak.

The Castle Rock trail is the first on the left. A green Forest Service gate blocks the trail to vehicles. The number tag is 13N80. This, incidentally, is the headwater of Burke Creek which runs to Lake Tahoe.

The road has been cut up a bit by all the spring rain and snowmelt but is easily passable. This is a very dry trail.

From the very outset keep your eyes peeled for snow plants, a beautiful red pointed cone flower that emerges traditionally just at the end of the snow season and are now past their prime. I've spotted snow plants on both sides of the road but they're easy to miss, especially if you are color-weak as I am (color-weak means you don't distinguish colors as well as normal sighted persons, not that you are color blind).

The first section here is all downhill. You start out heading west, then make a sharp uphill turn to the north. From this loop you turn back west again, passing a large open area with a trail leading off to the right marked "limited use area." Continue on the road until a final modest downhill stretch winds up at a small open area where logs are stacked on all sides.

A vertical Forest Service sign warns "no motor vehicles" and to emphasize the point giant tree trunks and logs block every entry to the Castle Rock trail.

At this point you have yet to get your first glimpse of the rock -- it's hidden by pines. And at this point the trail gets steep, perhaps 30 degrees or more. Stick on the trail, don't shortcut the switchbacks as the soil is very fragile. About halfway to the base you'll get your first sight of the rock straight ahead and Lake Tahoe off to your right.

At about 7,850 feet you'll reach the actual base of the rock. A path leading to the left gives an excellent view of the Carson Valley, Hwy. 395 and Kingsbury Grade, all from atop a very large flat white rock.

There are several in-and-up paths around Castle Rock and plenty of superb views of the lake and West Shore. Marla Bay is directly below to the right of Round Hill.

The views from the base of the rock are superb, but for the real 360-degree version you may want to climb it. The climb from the right seems to be a bit more demanding, the one to the left requires some descent through thick manzanita brush and then back up a rocky spur.

The trail to the right calls for some serious hand grabs; remember to test your foothold before trusting it. One short section narrows to a tight fit, so make sure your gear isn't hanging out there.

This is truly a photo opportunity. The whole lake is spread out before you, unhindered by trees. The blue of the lake makes a wonderful contrast with the thick green of the pine forest on all sides. If you've every wanted to feel on top of the world, this is your chance.

Be carefully getting down; it can be more difficult than going up. But the climb will be well worth it when it comes to bragging time later.

This is not a climb for kids. True, they could probably scramble up easier that you, but...

There's no potable water on this trail so carry some. And a lunch atop the rock could be unmatched for unique dining.

The hike back is a snap but that last uphill can be a bit wearing. So just plod on and keep an eye out for wildflowers. They photograph well!

This story originally appeared on tahoe.com on June 8, 2006.