Donner Pass Road Old Highway 40
Historic mountain pass offering stunning views, remnants of the Transcontinental Railroad, and tales of the infamous Donner Party.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clear skies, pleasant temps
Donner Pass Road Old Highway 40
Best Time
Clear skies, pleasant temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic mountain pass offering stunning views, remnants of the Transcontinental Railroad, and tales of the infamous Donner Party.
"A moving experience, to think what these people went through to try and survive."
🚗 Check Road Conditions
Winter travel on I-80 is unpredictable. Always check Caltrans for closures and chain requirements. :car:
🥾 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Trails can be uneven, especially near the tunnels. Good footwear is essential for exploring. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Donner Summit Bridge
Donner Pass Road
Iconic bridge offering stunning panoramic views of Donner Lake and the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains. A must-see photo spot.
Donner Tunnels
Old Highway 40
Explore abandoned railroad tunnels, remnants of the Transcontinental Railroad. Graffiti art adds a unique, eerie charm.
Petroglyph Sites
Near Donner Summit
Discover ancient Native American petroglyphs etched into rocks, offering a glimpse into the region's deep past.
Old Highway 40 Scenic Drive
Donner Pass Road
A picturesque drive offering breathtaking vistas and a slower pace than I-80, perfect for soaking in the mountain scenery.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Winter Travel Advisory
Historical Significance & Accessibility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Check Road Conditions
Winter travel on I-80 is unpredictable. Always check Caltrans for closures and chain requirements. +3 :car:
🥾 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Trails can be uneven, especially near the tunnels. Good footwear is essential for exploring. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera! The bridge and lake offer incredible photo opportunities, especially during golden hour. +1 :camerawithflash:
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
Limited services are available along Old Highway 40. Be prepared with essentials for your drive and hikes. :ice_cream:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Check Road Conditions
Winter travel on I-80 is unpredictable. Always check Caltrans for closures and chain requirements. +3 :car:
🥾 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Trails can be uneven, especially near the tunnels. Good footwear is essential for exploring. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera! The bridge and lake offer incredible photo opportunities, especially during golden hour. +1 :camerawithflash:
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
Limited services are available along Old Highway 40. Be prepared with essentials for your drive and hikes. :ice_cream:
📜 Respect Historical Sites
Be mindful of the history, especially concerning the Donner Party. Leave petroglyphs and tunnels undisturbed. +1 :scroll:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the stunning natural beauty of Donner Pass, particularly the views from the Donner Summit Bridge and the unique historical exploration offered by the Donner Tunnels. The area's rich history, including the Donner Party and the Transcontinental Railroad, adds a compelling layer to the experience. However, winter weather can significantly impact accessibility and safety, with frequent road closures and challenging driving conditions.
"A short drive from Donner lake and you have amazing views of the lake and bridge area. If you use Google map, stop at the lookout just before the bridge, spent some time, then go to the bridge area, both fantastic views"
Jimin Zhang
"Was a beautiful day when I left the hotel in Carson City to see Donner Pass. By the time I had gotten up to the bridge it was 20 degrees cooler ( as expected) but pouring rain. I visited in April so the mountains are still receiving snow. Plenty of parking with a small walking trail along side of the bridge. Probably a great view on a clear day of Donner Lake."
Kevin Petrask
"Beautiful bridge from The Old Republic 🏛️"
Tony Mitch
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Truckee, take I-80 East and exit at Donner Summit (Exit 184). Old Highway 40 (Donner Pass Road) is accessible from this exit. For a more scenic route, you can also take local roads that connect to Old Highway 40. +1
No, I-80 over Donner Summit is frequently closed during winter due to heavy snow, blizzards, and accidents. Always check Caltrans for real-time road conditions before you travel. +3
Driving Donner Pass Road (Old Highway 40) in winter can be challenging and is not always recommended due to snow and ice. I-80 is the primary route, but it also experiences closures. If you do drive Old Highway 40, ensure your vehicle is equipped for winter conditions and check conditions. +1
For PCT access near Truckee, many hikers opt to hitchhike close to the highway, as it's a common route for trail access. Alternatively, local shuttles or taxis might be available, though hitchhiking is frequently mentioned.
Public transport directly to Donner Pass Road is limited. Amtrak's California Zephyr stops in Truckee, from where you would need to arrange local transport or a ride-share.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Donner Pass Road and most of the surrounding natural areas are free to access. There are no entrance fees for driving the road or accessing viewpoints like the Donner Summit Bridge. +1
Parking at popular viewpoints like the Donner Summit Bridge is generally free. However, during peak seasons or events, parking might be limited.
Donner Pass Road (Old Highway 40) is an open public road and does not have set operating hours. However, winter conditions can lead to temporary closures of I-80, which is the main access route. +1
There is no entrance fee to access the Donner Tunnels. They are part of the historic railroad grade and are open for exploration. +1
Yes, the more accessible petroglyph sites near the Donner Tunnels can be visited independently. It's important to be respectful and not touch or disturb the ancient carvings.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can drive the scenic Donner Pass Road, hike to the Donner Tunnels, admire the Donner Summit Bridge, explore petroglyph sites, and learn about the area's rich history, including the Donner Party and the Transcontinental Railroad. +5
Yes, Donner Pass offers excellent hiking opportunities, particularly along the old railroad grade to the Donner Tunnels and surrounding trails. The scenery is beautiful year-round. +2
The Donner Party was a group of American pioneers who became trapped by snow in the Sierra Nevada mountains during the winter of 1846–1847. Many perished, and the story is one of survival and tragedy. +2
The Donner Tunnels are generally safe to explore, but caution is advised. They are old railroad tunnels, so be aware of uneven surfaces, potential debris, and limited light. Always go with a flashlight and sturdy shoes. +2
While wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, you might encounter deer, various bird species, and smaller mammals in the forested areas around Donner Pass. Always maintain a safe distance. :deer:
📸 📸 Photography
The Donner Summit Bridge offers iconic shots of Donner Lake. The Donner Tunnels, with their graffiti art, are also very popular for unique photography. The scenic overlooks along Old Highway 40 provide stunning mountain vistas. +3
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offers the most dramatic lighting for landscape photography. Midday can be harsh, but the tunnels offer shade. +1
Drone regulations can vary. It's essential to check current FAA guidelines and any local restrictions before flying a drone in the Donner Pass area. Respect private property and sensitive historical sites. :drone:
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes and tunnels. A sturdy tripod is helpful for low-light conditions or capturing the bridge at dawn/dusk.
Dedicated photography tours are not widely advertised for Donner Pass. However, local photography enthusiasts often share tips and locations on social media.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The Donner Tunnels are an adventurous hike that kids often enjoy exploring, especially with flashlights. Ensure they have sturdy shoes and are supervised, as the terrain can be uneven. The scenic drive along Old Highway 40 also offers plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the mountain air.
🚗 Road Trippers & Scenic Drivers
This route is ideal for photographers and anyone wanting to soak in the Sierra Nevada landscape at their own pace. Be aware that sections of Old Highway 40 can be narrow and winding, and winter closures are possible. Always check conditions before setting out, especially outside of summer months.
🚶 Hikers & Outdoor Enthusiasts
Beyond the tunnels, numerous other trails wind through the forests and mountains, offering varying levels of difficulty. In summer, you can find wildflower meadows, and in winter, the landscape transforms into a snowy wonderland (though hiking in deep snow requires proper gear and experience).
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Infamous Donner Party
Visiting Donner Pass today offers a somber yet profound connection to this history. While the landscape is now breathtakingly beautiful, it's impossible to ignore the stories of hardship and resilience that unfolded here. Many visitors find the experience deeply moving, reflecting on the immense challenges faced by early settlers.
It's important to approach this history with respect. While the area is popular for recreation, remember its significance as a historical site. Understanding the context of the Donner Party adds a layer of depth to any visit to Donner Pass.
Echoes of the Transcontinental Railroad
Today, these abandoned railroad tunnels are a popular destination for hikers and urban explorers. The graffiti art that adorns their interiors adds a modern, vibrant layer to the historical structures, creating a unique visual contrast. Walking through these tunnels offers a tangible connection to the past and the incredible feat of connecting the nation by rail.
Exploring the old railroad grade around the tunnels provides further insight into the railroad's construction. You can see remnants of the original track bed and imagine the trains that once passed through this formidable mountain pass. It's a fascinating glimpse into a pivotal moment in American history.
Navigating Winter Conditions
Chain controls are a common requirement during winter months, and drivers must be prepared to install them on their vehicles. Failure to comply can result in fines and further delays. Even with chains, conditions can be treacherous, with whiteout visibility and icy roads. Always check Caltrans for the latest road conditions and advisories before embarking on any winter journey through Donner Pass.
While Old Highway 40 (Donner Pass Road) offers a scenic alternative, it is often impassable or not recommended during heavy winter snow. Travelers should prioritize safety and be aware that winter conditions can significantly impact travel plans, often leading to unexpected delays or detours.
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