On October 9 and 10, by taking part in the 18th annual Donner Party Hike, participants can vicariously experience the early emigrants’ journey across the Sierra Nevada mountains without reliving the dangers. The hikes were tailor-made for trekkers who love for the Sierra Nevada wilderness and are interested in emigrant history.
Six different hikes take place on Saturday, October 9 and a there's also a walking tour on Sunday, October 10. All events offer insight into emigrant history from area guides, along with invigorating recreation and beautiful scenery.
Variety of Hikes Offered on Saturday
Saturday’s hikes begin and end at the Sugar Bowl Lodge located on Highway 40 on Donner Summit. Guides will lead groups of approximately15-20 people to interpretive spots giving detailed historical information focused on emigrant and area history. In the afternoon, hikers will enjoy a barbecue lunch and presentation by Mark Twain impersonator MacAvoy Lane who will relate captivating tales of the Comstock.Hike options include a four-mile roundtrip that will explore the Dutch Flat Donner Lake Wagon Road and 1913 Corridor Lincoln Highway with views of petroglyphs, old roadside billboards and the China Wall.
Other hikes include a four to five mile hike heading up Roller Pass; a six-mile hike past pristine High Sierra Lakes; a strenuous six-mile hike over Coldstream Pass, one of the most heavily traveled emigrant routes; or a five-mile hike through old railroad tunnels and snowsheds.
Sunday Walking Tour Includes Visit to the Murphy Cabin's Site
Sunday offers a more relaxed walking tour departing from the Donner Camp Picnic Area, located on Highway 89 North. Activities include a walking tour where guides will detail the Donner Party’s encampment, a visit to the Murphy’s Cabin Site and entrance to the Donner Memorial State Park Museum offering a historical movie about the Donner Party. Participants will need to provide their own transportation to the Donner Memorial State Park.
Reservations are required for all events. Sunday’s guided walking tour costs $15 and includes admission to the Emigrant Trail Museum. The two-day hike package is $65. Hike descriptions and registration forms are available online or by phoning the Truckee Donner Chamber of Commerce at 530-587-8808. Event sponsors include Cedar House Sport Hotel, Clair Tappaan Lodge, Donner Lake Village Resort, Donner Memorial State Park, Hampton Inn and Suites Tahoe-Truckee, The Inn at Truckee, The Lodge at Sugar Bowl, Northstar-at-Tahoe, Sugar Bowl Ski Area, Town of Truckee, Truckee Donner Historical Society, Truckee Donner Lodge, U.S. Forest Service
Connie Emerson - Ever since I can remember, going places and seeing new sights has intrigued me. A robin drinking from a puddle after a springtime Paris ...
