LISA HIKES FROM A TO Z
DONNER PEAK TRAIL
Unplanned at the perfect time
I ended up hiking Donner Peak Trail on a whim and I'm so thankful I went when I did (hint- summer flower bloom). My original plan for "D" on the Lisa Hikes from A to Z project was the Dipsea Trail just north of San Francisco. But a much needed day-trip to Truckee to see my dear friend G and her new baby allowed me to squeeze in a hike at this trail.
Donner Peak, picture left, keeps watch over Donner Lake and towers above the historic Donner Pass train route and tunnels. The peak's north-east face is very steep, so hikers reach it by hiking around the west side. Being just above 8000 ft., Donner Peak offers stunning views of Donner Pass, Donner Lake, Mt. Judah, and the surrounding Tahoe National Forrest.
Doing a double take
The first section of this hike is perhaps the most challenging, containing a series of steep switchbacks set on stairways of large rocks. The elevation gain is immediately noticeable and trail-goers are forced to focus on their footing as they trek upwards.
As I scaled this section I was hit with memories of being on this trail before and it didn't take long for me to remember that friends had taken me to hike this same trail 5 years ago! I recalled being very nervous about this section of the trail the first time, not wanting to make the wrong step on what was the steepest section of switchbacks I had ever hiked up until that point. That memory was striking. I spent time recovering other memories and recalled that on that previous hike we did not go to Donner Peak; my friends took me to neighboring Mt. Judah. So I was happy to know that this time I was exploring something brand new along with something familiar.
Flowers in bloom
Stumbling onto this alpine bloom in late June of 2021 was a surprise gift from Mother Nature. I honestly felt like a Disney princess hiking alongside so many different beautiful patches of flowers while listening to the musical chirps of the birds and bugs around. It was a moment that I reveled in and a memory that I cherish.
Seeing Signs
The Donner Peak trail overlaps with a section of the renowned Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). This well worn PCT marker can be spotted at the trailhead.
The trail dips into the eastern most ski area of Sugar Bowl Resort. There, the PCT splits away from Mt. Judah Loop and Donner Peak Trail.
You're almost there! This sign is just 100 feet below Donner Peak in elevation. Having hiked to Mt. Judah last time, I was happy to see this sign pointing me to a new unexplored area.
Within yards of the Donner Peak/Mt. Judah Loop marker is the Emigrant Trail Truckee River Route Marker which indicates the highest point on the Truckee River Routes at ~7850 ft.
Plenty to gawk at
The views on this hike do not disappoint. The photoset below features of some of the best views leading to the peak, which include views of Mt. Judah, Lake Mary, Lake Angela, and Donner Memorial State Park.
Dramatic moments
Donner Peak comes into view shortly after passing the the Mt. Judah Loop split. This final section of the trail is on sloped granite with little tree coverage; though exposed to the sun this section is surrounded by uninterrupted panoramic views.
The final moments approaching the peak are very dramatic. Visitors are greeted with two rock face walls that funnel you into a corridor. Walking into that corridor leads straight towards an opening over the steep northeast side wall that delivers a majestic view of Donner Lake below. See the approach in the photoset below.
Explore the peak
The corridor at the peak and its textured granite features create several spaces and nooks for adventurous spirits to explore.
To the left of the gap overlooking Donner Lake is an easily climbable route to get even higher, enjoy a spot to sit and relax and have an uninterrupted view the lake. The photo to the right was taken at this spot and shows the neighboring northern cliff face and the landscape beyond.
Explorers with a good eye may spot a cache box. Pictured below, this one is a sturdy ammo box and is packed full of special treasures left by prior trailer-goers. If you find it, respectfully observe the treasures inside and leave something to add to the collection!
Enjoy the moment
There are many opportunities to enjoy nature's serenity on this trail. I can imagine that the locals make regular return visits to Donner Peak and find new views and places to enjoy each time. If this were my home turf I would aim to make this a weekly hike in the summer months. Easily make it a challenge by trail running, or make it a relaxing trek with friends to watch the sunset (don't forget the headlamp!)
This fun out-and-back hike is a beautiful way to experience the Donner Pass area. And if you catch it when the flowers are in bloom be sure to soak it up.
RETRACE LISA'S STEPS
My AllTrails recording is only for the hike to the peak. My phone's battery died after reaching the peak, a lesson learned in remembering to brining my portable charger with. The full AllTrails route can be found here.
NEED TO KNOW
PARKING: On Old Donner Summit Road
PARKING + TRAIL FEES: None
AMENITIES: An outhouse near the trailhead.
TRAIL FACTS
NAME: Donner Peak Trail
TYPE: Out and back
TOTAL DISTANCE: 3.8 miles
TIME: ~2 hrs
STARTING ELEVATION:~7100ft
ELEVATION GAIN: ~900 ft
TIPS
Parking is free on Old Donner Summit Road. The turn off for the road is at Summit House, just at the top of Donner Pass. I suggest parking past the trailhead before Lake Mary Rd for a closer and more shaded parking spot compared to parking near Summit House.
Hungry? Close to Donner Lake in Truckee is Golden Rotisserie, which makes 5 star burritos, sandwiches, quesadillas with their spot on rotisserie pork, tri tip, and chicken. Need something more green? Look next door at New Moon Natural Food! In addition to their grocery selection of sustainable quality foods they have delicious specialty sandwiches at their Crescent Cafe and also have an Organic Juice and Smoothy Bar.
Another beautiful view can be found 30 miles east of Truckee at the Emigrant Gap Scenic Lookout. Perfect for those driving "down the hill" towards the Sacramento valley, I stopped at sunset and was among several groups of couples and families who stopped to take in the breathtaking scene. In view and seen in the picture below is Bear Valley in the foreground and Lake Spaulding in the distance. I have stopped at this lookout many times before, and the best time is, of course, at sunset.My rule of thumb when passing a "Visa Point Ahead" ahead sign at sunset or sunrise is to stop and check it out- you really can't go wrong.
Emigrant Gap Scenic Lookout