Negro Canyon
Negro Canyon is a small area, close in to Truckee, and so close to I-80 that most outdoor enthusiasts speed by at 65 mph on their way to other more notable areas.
For Truckee locals this is another chance for a quickee.
Large, snow- covered brushy slopes often covered by deep snows can be good runs for skiers willing to make the climbing effort.
DESCRIPTION:
Parking is free and there is immediate gratification available with the slopes spreading above the parking area at the end of the exit ramp for the Donner Lake Exit. For Truckee locals this is another chance for a quickee.
Summertime 4WD roads lead northwest up to Summit Lake or north over Donner Ridge into Euer Valley. Skiers and snowmobilers need to avoid the private ranch lands in Euer Valley and the private ski runs of the Tahoe-Donner Cross-country Ski Area. Stay on the south side of Donner Ridge facing into I-80 and you’ll avoid any conflicts.
Much of the slopes are southerly aspects and can be crusty except after fresh snow. Large, snow-covered brushy slopes often covered by deep snows can be good runs for skiers willing to make the climbing effort.
| Parking Elevation: | 6600 feet | Base Elevation: | 6600 feet | Summit Elevation: | 7800 feet |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Description | Summit Lake 7400’; Donner Ridge 7800’ |
||||
| Snowfall | 0 inches | Season | Mid-December through March | ||
| Parking: | Not plowed | Skiable Area | 400 acres | Groomed | No | Terain Park | No |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Snowmaking | |||||||
| Runs | Beginner | 0% | Intermediate | 0% | Expert | 0% | |
| Lifts | 0 | Types | |||||
| Contact(s) | Tahoe National Forest: 530-265-4531 |
|---|---|
| Website(s) |
DIRECTIONS:
To Negro Canyon
Drive I-80 west out of Truckee to the nearby Donner Lake Exit. The limited parking area is at the base of the exit ramp on the north side of the Interstate.
Topographic Maps: East Slope - Winter Recreation or U.S.G.S. Norden
ACTIVITIES:
Snowmobiling (Rating: Good)
The basin is small and the roads offer the best routes so this is a small playground with the advantage of being handy.
Difficulty: More Difficult
Mileages: Summit Lake about 2.5 miles; Donner Ridge via the road 1.3 miles
Snowshoeing (Rating: Good)
There are no designated trails, but snowmobile tracks make good trails up the two snow-covered 4WD roads with destinations to Summit Lake or Donner Ridge. The open slopes offer good play and places to practice technique.
Snowshoers can play near the parking area and the relatively gentle slopes above. The two snow-covered roads are moderately easy for snowshoe travel.
Difficulty: More Difficult on the roads and Most Difficult on the open slopes.
Mileages: Summit Lake about 2.5 miles; Donner Ridge via the road 1.3 miles
Nordic Cross-country Skiing (Rating: Good)
There are no designated trails, but snowmobile tracks make good trails up the two snow-covered 4WD roads with destinations to Summit Lake or Donner Ridge. The open slopes offer good play and places to practice technique.
Difficulty: More Difficult on the roads and Most Difficult on the open slopes.
Mileages: Summit Lake about 2.5 miles; Donner Ridge via the road 1.3 miles
