Primarily a bouldering area. Scattered boulders in an alpine setting.

There are 2 approaches.

1) For Summit Lake Boulders and Trailside Boulders via trail. From 1-80 east bound, exit at rest stop AFTER Boreal/Castle Peak exit. Pick up trail at the east end of parking lot. After 4 minutes, you will come upon and intersection for the Pacific Crest Trial. Continue straight/follow signs to Summit Lake. It takes 30 minutes of (mostly flat) walking to get to Summit Lake. There are problems scattered along the trail and around the lake.

2) For Roadside Boulders via 4wd road. Exit Donner lake road (#180) from I-80. Follow a very rough dirt road for 2.5 miles. Park next to Summit Lake.