Donner Pass Tunnels
Explore historic, graffiti-adorned railroad tunnels carved through the Sierra Nevada, offering cool escapes and stunning mountain views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Escape the heat and crowds.
Donner Pass Tunnels
Best Time
Escape the heat and crowds.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore historic, graffiti-adorned railroad tunnels carved through the Sierra Nevada, offering cool escapes and stunning mountain views.
"Super cool hiking path for all ages, perfect for walking, running, or biking."
🔦 Bring a Flashlight!
Essential for navigating the dark tunnels. Headlamps are also great!
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Uneven terrain and potential ice require good grip.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Longest Tunnel
Donner Pass
Walk through the impressive, historic railroad tunnels, a testament to 19th-century engineering.
Panoramic Sierra Views
East end of Tunnel #6
Emerge from the tunnels to breathtaking vistas of the Sierra Nevada mountains and Donner Lake.
+1
Winter Wonderland
Donner Pass Tunnels
Experience the tunnels transformed into an icy spectacle with frozen walls and icicles in winter.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for the Dark & Historic Depths
Respect the History & Environment
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🔦 Bring a Flashlight!
Essential for navigating the dark tunnels. Headlamps are also great! +1
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Uneven terrain and potential ice require good grip.
🚗 Parking Tips
Park at Donner Ski Ranch or a dirt lot off Donner Pass Rd.
💧 Hydrate & Snack
Bring plenty of water and snacks for the longer walks.
Tips
from all over the internet
🔦 Bring a Flashlight!
Essential for navigating the dark tunnels. Headlamps are also great! +1
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Uneven terrain and potential ice require good grip.
🚗 Parking Tips
Park at Donner Ski Ranch or a dirt lot off Donner Pass Rd.
💧 Hydrate & Snack
Bring plenty of water and snacks for the longer walks.
📸 Capture the Views
Amazing photo ops inside and out!
⚠️ Respect the History
Leave no trace and appreciate the laborers' work. +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the unique historical experience and the cool, refreshing temperatures inside the tunnels, especially on hot days. The stunning mountain views from the tunnel exits are a major highlight. However, some find the walk repetitive and note that the tunnels can get quite crowded, with occasional issues from cyclists.
"Super cool hiking path for all ages. The trail is mostly flat perfect for walking, running, or biking. A flashlight is useful to have in parts of the tunnels as it can get pretty dark."
Valerie Fox
"Very cool hike. Been here a few times now. I enjoy it much more during Winter with the fresh snow and icicles. Definitely bring warm enough clothing and waterproof shoes/boots when you go. The parking lot can be covered in snow but there is another to park at right off the main road."
KICKING ROCKS CLUB
"It's a long walk if you go threw all tunnels my girlfriend and I had lunch at the half way point under the pine tress bring lots of water a flash light for dark parts of the tunnels. Or a head lamp with extra batteries just in case like a liter bottle of water or a camel pack works great too $10 at Walmart for a liter pack works great that's what my girlfriend and I used"
Travis Combs
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Donner Pass Tunnels are located near Truckee, California. Many visitors park at the Donner Ski Ranch parking lot and cross the street to access the trail. Another option is a dirt lot off Donner Pass Road and Sugar Bowl Road.
Yes, parking is available in a dirt lot off Donner Pass Road and Sugar Bowl Road. Some visitors also park at Donner Ski Ranch. Be aware that parking lots can be covered in snow during winter.
Using GPS for the intersection of Donner Pass Road and Sugar Bowl Road can help guide you to the parking area. AllTrails navigation might lead you to the trailhead but not directly to parking.
The walk to the tunnels from the parking area is about 1.5 miles. Walking through all the tunnels can be a longer endeavor, with some suggesting lunch at the halfway point.
Public transport options to the immediate vicinity of the tunnels are limited. Driving is the most common and convenient way to access this location.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets required to visit the Donner Pass Tunnels. It's a free public hiking area.
The tunnels are accessible year-round, 24 hours a day, as it's an outdoor trail. However, winter conditions can make access difficult or dangerous. +1
There is no entrance fee to hike the Donner Pass Tunnels. It's a free historical site to explore.
Yes, the trail is generally open year-round. However, winter brings snow and ice, creating a unique but potentially challenging experience. +1
While the trail is on private property, it is readily available to hikers. Visitors are asked to be respectful of the area.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can walk through the historic railroad tunnels, admire the graffiti art, and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains and Donner Lake. In winter, you might see incredible ice formations.
The time needed varies. A walk through the main tunnels is about 1.5 miles round trip. Exploring all the tunnels and enjoying the views can take longer, potentially a few hours.
The hike is generally considered easy to moderate. The trail is mostly flat, making it suitable for walking, running, or biking. However, the tunnels can be dark and uneven. +1
While generally safe, it's recommended to go with a friend and bring a flashlight. Be cautious of uneven surfaces, potential ice, and cyclists.
Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes. In winter, warm, waterproof clothing and boots are essential. Layers are recommended year-round due to changing mountain weather.
📸 📸 Photography
The entrances and exits of the tunnels offer dramatic shots. The views from the east end of Tunnel #6 are spectacular. Inside, the long, dark passages create a unique atmosphere.
Yes, it gets very dark inside the tunnels, requiring a flashlight or headlamp. This darkness can create dramatic photographic opportunities, but you'll need good lighting for your shots. +1
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check current FAA and local regulations before flying a drone in this area.
Urban exploration (urbex) photography, historical photography, and landscape photography are popular here, capturing both the man-made structures and the natural beauty.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, be mindful of other visitors and avoid disturbing the historical integrity of the site.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to pack plenty of water and snacks, as the walk can be longer than anticipated. While the tunnels themselves are cool, the views outside are also a great reward. Be mindful of cyclists who share the path, and ensure children stay close, especially near tunnel exits with steep drops.
🚶♀️ Hikers & Outdoor Enthusiasts
Consider exploring beyond the main tunnels; areas like China Wall offer access to viewpoints overlooking Donner Lake. For those seeking a more challenging or unique experience, visiting in winter offers the chance to see incredible ice formations, though proper gear is essential.
📸 Photographers & History Buffs
History buffs can delve into the rich past of the Sierra Nevada, from the engineering marvel of the railroad to the somber tales of the Donner Party. The tunnels serve as a tangible connection to these narratives, offering a unique way to experience history firsthand.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Marvel of the Donner Pass Tunnels
The longest of these tunnels, often the focus of exploration, served trains until 1993 when newer, larger tunnels were built. Today, these decommissioned tunnels are a popular hiking destination, offering a tangible link to the past. Visitors can walk through these dark passages, imagining the steam engines that once thundered through them.
Exploring the tunnels provides a unique perspective on the challenges of 19th-century construction and the immense human effort involved. The sheer scale and the historical context make it a compelling experience for anyone interested in history, engineering, or simply a unique outdoor adventure.
Winter Adventures in the Donner Pass Tunnels
While the beauty is undeniable, winter visits require careful preparation. Warm, waterproof clothing, insulated boots with good traction, and extra layers are essential. The parking lots can be snow-covered, and the trails themselves can be slippery and icy. A flashlight is even more critical in winter, as the natural light is significantly reduced.
Despite the potential difficulties, many find the winter exploration of the Donner Pass Tunnels to be incredibly rewarding. The unique icy formations and the quiet solitude of the snow-covered landscape offer a stark contrast to the summer crowds and a truly memorable experience.
The Human Story Behind the Tunnels
While the tunnels offer a fascinating glimpse into engineering history, they also stand as a somber reminder of the sacrifices made. The area is also historically linked to the tragic Donner Party, a group of American pioneers who became snowbound in the Sierra Nevada during the winter of 1846–47 and resorted to cannibalism. This history adds a layer of gravity to the landscape.
Visitors are encouraged to approach the Donner Pass Tunnels with respect for both the engineering marvel and the human stories embedded within them. Understanding this context enriches the experience and honors the individuals who shaped this significant historical landmark.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit