Donner Summit

A granite paradise in the subalpine! Donner Summit is located a short distance from Truckee. Get there by taking a scenic drive along Donner Lake and up Donner Pass Road. The view are immaculate, and once there, outdoor adventure is endless. You'll find deep snow, quiet off the beaten path locales, and a fascinating history that spans thousands of years.

Things to Do

Outdoor adventures are numerous on Donner Summit. There’s endless hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, serious road biking, skiing, riding, cross country skiing, and more.

Great summer hikes in the area include Donner Summit Canyon, Royal Gorge summer trails, and the Mount Judah Loop.

Along with classic outdoor adventure ideas, there’s plenty of fun to be had off the beaten track. Try exploring the South Yuba River for sunny tucked away spots for lizard lounging with a book or cooling off in a secret swimming hole.

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History & Outdoor 20 Mile Museum

Donner Summit is filled with history about Native Americans, petroglyphs, pioneers, settlers, the infamous Donner Party, railroads, California ski culture, and early automobile travel. The 20 Mile Museum is a great way to learn these stories. This outdoor museum is made up of a series of interpretive signs along a 20 mile-long stretch of Donner Pass Road.

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Pacific Crest Trail

The Pacific Crest Trail is a National Scenic Trail spanning 2,650 miles (4,265 kilometers) from Mexico to Canada through California, Oregon, and Washington. It passes through the Truckee area at Donner Summit and provides many hiking opportunities from short walks to long, strenuous day hikes.

Experienced hikers will enjoy the challenging day hike from Donner Summit to Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows, a locals favorite! The 17.8 mile trek follows a scenic section of the PCT and features sweeping views along the Sierra Crest, gorgeous wildflowers, and a stop at the Bensen Hut, a backcountry cabin built in 1947-49.

*The Pacific Crest Trail is not open to biking

Rainbow Bridge (Donner Summit Bridge)

Take a scenic drive up Old Highway 40 to drive over the iconic Rainbow Bridge, also known as the Donner Summit Bridge. Its unique arch and curve made it the first of its kind when completed in August 1926, and today, nearly 100 years later, it is still an impressive sight to see.

For an up close view of Rainbow Bridge, stop at the Donner Lake Overlook. Read the interpretive signs and plaques to learn the history and take a moment to soak up the gorgeous 360 degree vistas. From this spot, you get a birds eye view of Donner Lake and can see rock climbers on granite slabs, and the historic train tunnels tucked into the side of Donner Peak.

Lamson-Cashion Trail and History Hub

The new Lamson-Cashion Trail and History Hub provides visitors with information about the area’s unique history and recreation opportunities. The Hub is located at the intersection of the Pacific Crest Trail and Donner Pass Road, the perfect launching spot to start exploring Donner Summit.

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Driving Directions

Donner Summit is a 10 minute drive from downtown Truckee, and it just so happens to be one of the most scenic drives in town. From Historic Downtown, take Donner Pass Road heading west. You will pass Donner Lake and begin ascending up towards Donner Summit, marking the start of Old Highway 40.

Donner Summit is also accessible via Interstate 80. Take Exit 174 and head east for trails, skiing, and restaurants.

Google map directions

*Please note that Donner Pass Road is closed to through traffic due to rockslide impacts. The closure will extend through July 2023.

2023 Donner Pass Road Closure

A section of Donner Pass Road located between Donner Lake and Donner Summit (Old Hwy 40) is closed due to rockslide impacts. The road is anticipated to open Labor Day Weekend.

View latest updates from Nevada County.

Donner Summit businesses are open! Rainbow Bridge and the Donner Lake Overlook are still accessible via I-80 to Donner Summit. For public safety, the rockfall area is closed to all activities such as hiking, biking, climbing, and driving, although many recreational opportunities and access to local businesses or restaurants remain available above and below the closed area.