Adventures on Donner Summit

Find outdoor bliss with a midweek winter visit to Donner Summit, the local’s best kept secret for quality chill time.

At the top of Donner Pass is the Lamson-Cashion Trail and History Hub where visitors and locals can jump into mountain adventures and immerse themselves in the region’s rich history and culture.

The reward for your drive on Old Highway 40 will be the Donner Memorial Bridge (also known as Rainbow Bridge).

Fully immerse yourself in the Sierra Nevada’s fascinating history by embarking on an auto tour along ‘Old Highway 40’ and discovering the 20 Mile Outdoor Museum.

5.8 mile out and back trail that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult.

In the winter, Royal Gorge is a treasured destination for Nordic Skiers. The rest of the year, dive into the enchanting Royal Gorge hiking and biking trail networks for a taste of what awaits your adventure.

The Donner Pass Summit Tunnels stand as enduring symbols of innovation and unity that explorers can experience today!

Another exciting way to explore the region is by traversing the dirt roads known as OHV (Off-Highway Vehicle) routes. From iconic to hidden gems, here’s a small taste of what awaits you.

Judah Loop is the best hiking trail on Donner Summit—4.5 miles with 1000′ elevation gain.

A moderate 12 mile point-to-point trail built for hiking, trail running, and biking.

Van Norden is one of the best Sierra birding areas, featuring more than 100 species.

Dense woods surround these two connected lakes teeming with rainbow and lake trout.

Known as the “Jewel of the Sierra,” Donner Lake is a focal point for many water activities.

6.6 mile out and back hiking trail located near Norden that features a lake and is rated as difficult.