Donner Memorial State Park
This little jewel is historic for record snow depths. Hopefully, you won’t encounter anything near the 22 feet deep snows the Donner Party was stranded in one tragic winter.
The Park parking area is a winter Sno- Park November 1 through May 30 each year.
The park grounds are literally within the city limits of Truckee. Luxury beyond the wildest dreams of the pioneers is only minutes away.
DESCRIPTION:
But snow play within the park gives you a chance to mix history with pleasant exercise.
The Park parking area is a winter Sno-Park November 1 through May 30 each year. Permits can be purchased at the Emigrant Trail Museum. On a clear day or especially on a grizzly, snowy day the view west over the length of Donner Lake and then looking up, up to the Sierra Crest and Donner Pass will overwhelm the majority of us. It’s sobering to think of members of the Donner Party and their climb over the pass in the winter. Many did. Many didn’t.
The park grounds are literally within the city limits of Truckee. Luxury beyond the wildest dreams of the pioneers is only minutes away.
No snowmobiles. There are no sledding hills available. No overnight parking.
| Parking Elevation: | 5940 feet | Base Elevation: | 5940 feet | Summit Elevation: | 5960 feet |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Snowfall | 0 inches | Season | Season: December through March | ||
| Parking: | Sno-Park with fees | Skiable Area | 100 acres | Groomed | No | Terain Park | No |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Snowmaking | |||||||
| Runs | Beginner | 0% | Intermediate | 0% | Expert | 0% | |
| Lifts | 0 | Types | |||||
| Contact(s) | Donner Memorial State Park: 530-582-7892 |
|---|---|
| Website(s) |
DIRECTIONS:
To Donner Memorial State Park
Follow I-80 to Truckee and take the Donner Pass Road exit. Turn right (west) and follow that road the short distance to the Donner Memorial State Park.
Topographic Maps: East Slope - Winter Recreation or U.S.G.S. Truckee
See Detailed Map > Winter > East Slope
ACTIVITIES:
Snowshoeing (Rating: Good)
The gentle grounds are marked with two cross-country ski trails: Donner Lake Trail and the Donner Party Historic Sites Trail. Six miles of trail are groomed for skiers.
Difficulty Levels: Easiest
Classification: Good
Snowmobiling: Prohibited
Nordic Cross-country Skiing (Rating: Good)
The gentle grounds are marked with two cross-country ski trails: Donner Lake Trail and the Donner Party Historic Sites Trail. Six miles of trail are groomed for skiers.
Difficulty Levels: Easiest
Classification: Good
Snowmobiling: Prohibited
