I think Donner Pass near Truckee, California is famous for one thing: the doomed group of pioneers who supposedly succumbed to cannibalism to fight hunger when stranded on the Pass during a horrific winter storm. The Pass is named after this group – The Donner Party.
But don’t let it put you off to visiting. It’s a quite lovely road to drive on and at the top on the eastern side you have a good view of the surrounding peaks and Donner Lake below.
I made the drive up the pass during our trip out to Lake Tahoe and it was worth it. The sun was shining, the roads were clear and the air was crisp. Here’s a few photos. Enjoy!
Map:
View Donner Pass, California in a larger map
A shot from the shores of Donner Lake looking westward towards the pass.
Looking east. A view of the hairpin turn I just came up.
It was a gorgeous day today, but I can imagine how sketchy it can get when the snow is dumping.
I passed a group of people filming some skiers dropping cliffs along the pass and remembered seeing some ski/snowboard films that were shot in the Tahoe area. And though this photo below doesn’t have any skiers/snowboarders on it, I did notice tracks along the hillside so I guess it’s another area they like to hit.
And finally, an overview shot from the Pass.
