Donner Pass

Beautiful Mountain View’s but when traveling be sure to check weather conditions in the winter months. It is a high altitude mountain with a good amount of snow when it comes.

Easy access. Breathtaking views.

Beautiful view of Donner Lake. We hiked through the Union Pacific tunnels, the first transcontinental railway across the United States.

Our visit to Donner Pass near Lake Tahoe in California was a journey through both natural beauty and poignant history. The vistas from Donner Pass overlooking Donner Lake were truly incredible, offering panoramic views of the sparkling waters surrounded by majestic mountains. The serene atmosphere and fresh mountain air made it an unforgettable spot for relaxation and reflection amidst nature's grandeur. However, the history of Donner Pass and Donner Lake also cast a sobering shadow. The area is infamous for the tragic events of the Donner Party in the winter of 1846-47, where pioneers became stranded in heavy snowfall and resorted to drastic measures to survive. This historical backdrop adds a somber but important layer to the beauty of the landscape, serving as a reminder of the challenges faced by early settlers and the resilience required to overcome adversity in harsh environments. Visiting Donner Pass and Donner Lake thus offers not only stunning views but also an opportunity to reflect on the history and resilience of those who traversed this rugged terrain in California's Sierra Nevada mountains.

Stopping off at the Donner Pass Vista to view the mountains and river was humbling. Knowing about the historical significance of the pioneers traveling through this area in the late 1800s, having to stop to endure the ravages of an early snowstorm and doing what they could to survive made me aware of how my life is far better from the challenges they faced. I am thankful for their perseverance.

Going to Reno from Sacramento to Reno on the 6th of December and coming back the following day can be a challenging. You had to go through Donner Pass with an elevation of over 7,000 feet on the Sierra Nevada mountain. The curvy roads had different weather pattern every few miles, depending on the elevation. Luckily we had an AWD vehicle that did not require any chain.

Famous or infamous depending on your perspective. Regardless, a fantastic experience. If you're passing by, take the time to stop. Until you've seen this location, it's difficult to understand or imagine the history behind it.

Via amtrak california zephyr, pass thru here at 1pm. Highly recommend to take a train and see this road from a different perspective.