Donner Summit is the most historically significant square mile in California, and arguably the entire Western United States. Native Americans crossed the summit for thousands of years leaving behind grinding rocks and petroglyphs in dozens of locations.

Donner Pass is a 7,056-foot-high (2,151 m) [2] mountain pass in the northern Sierra Nevada, above Donner Lake and Donner Memorial State Park about 9 miles (14 km) west of Truckee, California. Like the Sierra Nevada themselves, the pass has a steep approach from the east and a gradual approach from the west.

Among the engineering marvels of the transcontinental railroad, the Donner Pass Summit Tunnels, situated atop Donner Summit, stand out as one of the most crucial. When Theodor Judah began dreaming of a way through the “Range of Light” via train, it …

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.

We work to protect, promote, and strengthen Donner Summit as a unique and vibrant year-round mountain community that provides opportunities for visitors, residents, and businesses alike–to thrive in our beautiful alpine environment.

Donner Summit - the most important historical square mile in California and maybe the entire Western U.S. Native Americans summered on Donner Summit for thousands of years before the arrival of European Americans.

The route traverses Donner Summit Creek and offers spectacular views of Donner Lake, Donner Peak, and Schallenberger Ridge as it climbs to Donner Summit. Marvel at the Native American Petroglyphs as you approach the summit (Please don’t step on them!)

One minute off Interstate 80 and 10 minutes from downtown Truckee, Donner Summit is steeped in California history, surrounded by breathtaking mountain views and an adventurer’s playground. “Donner Summit is the gateway to the backcountry and the outdoor splendor we all want in …

Current conditions over Donner Summit. Is Interstate 80 open? Road conditions, snow reports, webcams. Current weather. Which campgrounds and Forest Service roads are open.

There are two official USGS maps for the Donner Summit area that you can download below. Fortunately the USGS now includes satellite imagery with their topos which can make these new maps very useful.