Donner Summit

Donner Summit boasts five alpine ski resorts, miles of cross country skiing, and numerous snow play areas.

With 40 feet of snow falling annually here at the top of the Sierra, winter is what most people think of when thinking about Donner Summit. If you don’t have plans for winter vacation, consider Donner Summit which boasts five alpine ski resorts, miles of cross country skiing, and numerous snow play areas. This is THE recommended area for cross-country skiing, dog sledding, and snow play. You can find the ski trails on the north side of the freeway. In the summer, boating and fishing is popular all up and down Donner Summit from the foothill lakes just a short distance away.

  • Address Highway 80, Castle Peak exit; look for distinctive brown signs
  • Phone Tahoe National Forest: 530-587-3558
  • Website Donner Summit
  • Best Feature Just a short distance from the freeway are open lands with lakes to explore, granite faces to climb, hiking to do, mountains to conquer, routes to bike, fish to catch, photographs to make, and lots more
  • Cross Country Skiing
  • Ski Trails
  • Boating & Fishing

Donner Summit is located on the south side of Interstate 80 at the Castle Peak exit beyond Boreal Inn. SNO-PARK site map.

ALSO CHECK OUT:

  • Sailor Flat Trail

    Sailor Flat Trail

    Foresthill, CA

    The first 1½ miles of the trail follows an old mining road and is relatively easy. The trail then becomes steeper, with many switchbacks as you drop down to the North Fork of the American River.

    Sailor Flat Road, Foresthill, CA 95631
  • Tinker’s Cutoff Trail

    Tinker’s Cutoff Trail

    Auburn, CA

    This single file trail offers an alternative route to and from Stagecoach Trail from the confluence area.

    Old Foresthill Road, Auburn, CA 95603
  • Ahart Campground

    Ahart Campground

    Foresthill, CA

    Ahart Campground is conveniently located on the Middle American River and is near French Meadows Reservoir.

    Mosquito Ridge Road 96, Foresthill, CA 95631