State park preserving the site of the Donner Camp, where members of the ill-fated Donner Party were trapped by weather during the winter of 1846-1847
Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day
Parking rates:
May 1 to September 30: $10.00 per vehicle for the day
October 1 to April 30: $5.00 per vehicle
Dogs allowed on the Lakeside Interpretive Trail, Zig Zag Trail, fire roads, and along the shore of Donner Lake except for China Cove Beach. Dogs are NOT allowed in the visitor center, on the half-mile Nature Trail, or China Cove Beach. Dogs are NOT allowed on designated ski trails when snow is present.
How to Get There
From Sacramento (68 miles): Take 16th St to CA-160 N/N Sacramento Fwy. Follow I-80 E to Donner Pass Rd in Truckee. Take exit 184 from I-80 E. Follow Donner Pass Rd to S Shore Dr.
Overview
Donner Memorial State Park near Truckee preserves the site where the ill-fated Donner Party was trapped by snow in the winter of 1846–1847, and it is also a popular Sierra Nevada spot for camping, hiking and swimming on 3 miles of Donner Lake shoreline. The National Historic Landmark is a place to reflect on Emigrant Trail history, with the Emigrant Trail Museum, the Pioneer Monument (dedicated in 1918) and a short trail to the boulder cabin site of the Murphy family. The park covers about 3,300 acres and was established in 1928.
The visitor center covers local Native American history, the Donner Party and the builders of the First Transcontinental Railroad, and rangers lead hikes and campfire programs.
Things to Do
Explore One of California's Most Historic Sierra Nevada Parks
Donner Memorial State Park is located near Truckee in the Sierra Nevada and commemorates the history of the Donner Party, pioneers who became stranded in the area during the winter of 1846-1847. The park combines rich California history with beautiful mountain scenery, forests, lakes, and outdoor recreation opportunities, making it one of the most popular destinations in the Lake Tahoe region.
Visit the Emigrant Trail Museum
The Emigrant Trail Museum is the park's primary historical attraction and features exhibits on the Donner Party, Native American history, westward migration, the transcontinental railroad, and the development of the Truckee region. Visitors can gain insight into one of the most well-known stories of the American frontier.
See Donner Memorial and Pioneer Monuments
The park contains several monuments dedicated to the pioneers who traveled through the Sierra Nevada. The Pioneer Monument is especially significant, marking the approximate depth of the snow during the harsh winter endured by the Donner Party.
Enjoy Donner Lake Recreation
Donner Lake provides opportunities for kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, swimming, boating, picnicking, and relaxing along the scenic shoreline. Surrounded by forested mountains, the lake is a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts throughout the year.
Explore the Historic Emigrant Trail
Sections of the historic California Emigrant Trail pass through the park, allowing visitors to walk routes once traveled by thousands of pioneers heading west during the nineteenth century. Interpretive signs help explain the significance of the trail and its role in American history.
Enjoy Year-Round Outdoor Recreation
The park offers hiking, biking, camping, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, wildlife viewing, and photography opportunities. Its location near Lake Tahoe and Truckee makes it a popular destination during all four seasons.
Top Trails
Interpretive Trail
Length: Approximately 0.5 miles loop
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy
This short trail travels through the historic area surrounding the Pioneer Monument and museum. Interpretive displays provide information about the Donner Party, early pioneers, and the park's cultural history.
Donner Lake Rim Trail
Length: Approximately 23 miles total around the lake system
Elevation Gain: Moderate to Significant
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Portions of this extensive trail system provide spectacular views of Donner Lake, surrounding mountains, granite outcrops, and forested landscapes. Visitors can choose shorter segments for day hikes or explore longer portions of the route.
China Cove Trail
Length: Approximately 2 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Moderate
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
This scenic trail leads to a quiet cove along Donner Lake and offers beautiful lake views, forest scenery, and opportunities for wildlife observation and photography.
Emigrant Trail Segment
Length: Approximately 3 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Moderate
Difficulty: Moderate
This historic trail segment follows part of the route used by nineteenth-century emigrants crossing the Sierra Nevada. Visitors can enjoy mountain scenery while learning about the challenges faced by pioneers traveling westward.
Sources: California State Parks official Donner Memorial State Park information, including details on the Emigrant Trail Museum, Donner Party history, Donner Lake recreation, camping facilities, hiking trails, and visitor amenities.
https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=503https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=503
Additional information verified through California State Parks and Truckee visitor resources covering the Pioneer Monument, Emigrant Trail, Donner Lake Rim Trail, outdoor recreation opportunities, historical exhibits, and natural features within Donner Memorial State Park.
https://www.visittruckeetahoe.com/https://www.visittruckeetahoe.com/
This article uses material from the Wikipedia article "Donner Memorial State Park", which is released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0
