Best Hiking Trails in Truckee
When you purchase your home in Lake Tahoe, you have the benefit of access to the best hiking trails in Truckee, protected and supported by the Truckee Donner Land Trust. In 1990, the TDLT raised $150,000 to purchase 160 acres near Donner Lake that were almost lost to logging. Since then, they have protected more than 33,000 acres and plan to protect another 24,500 acres with a value of over $40 million. The TDLT is committed to ensuring recreational access for all future generations.
The Truckee Donner region has grown tremendously over the last few decades. Homeowners will discover the perfect retreat for full time and part time residents who enjoy hiking the many canyons and mountains. They can also access nearby reservoirs, lakes and rivers.
Volunteer to Maintain the Donner Lake Rim Trail
The Truckee Donner Land Trust is also the steward of the Donner Lake Rim Trail, a 23-mile multi-use trail. Volunteers are encouraged to help in trail conservation efforts and maintenance. Click here for their trailbuilding dates and to volunteer. They also organize guided hikes and outdoor events for donors and visitors. You can explore the Truckee Donner Land Trust and how to become a volunteer by clicking here.
Best Hiking Trails in Truckee Area
You can click on the following links to plan the perfect hike and to explore the details of each hiking area. You can also download maps.
Martis Valley
Waddle Ranch Preserve
Located in the heart of Martis Valley, this is an excellent hike to look for indigenous artifacts, view wildflowers and to see wildlife.
Elizabethtown Meadows
Access is through Northstar's Castle Peak parking area with excellent views of the Pacific Crest.
Donner Summit
Royal Gorge
A year round area managed by Sugar Bowl in winter, Royal Gorge offers a variety of snow sports and some of America’s best cross-country skiing with a 200-kilometer trail system and 7500 acres of terrain for hiking.
Donner Summit Canyon
These trails follow the old Dutch Flat/Donner Lake Wagon Road and hikers can view Native American petroglyphs, the China Wall, and the world’s first automobile underpass.
Johnson Canyon
This area provides an incredibly scenic route for hikers, runners, and mountain bikers to connect with the Donner Lake Rim Trail.
Donner Lake Rim Trail
There are several ways to access the Donner Lake Rim Trail and enterprising hikers will enjoy amazing Pacific Crest views.
Webber Lake/Lacey Meadows
This area consists of Webber Lake for water sports and two large meadows for hiking with Lower Lacey Meadow and Upper Lacey Meadow for mountain biking..
Carpenter Valley
This area is available to visitors by docent led hikes only. This is a 5 mile round trip hike on a level fire road.
Lake of the Woods
This is a hike along a quarter mile lake nestled in the pines. Parts of the hike offer amazing Sierra views.
Cold Stream Meadow
This area is the wildflower lover's dream and is available for hiking and mountain biking.
Perazzo Meadows
This is a high mountain meadow perfect for bird watchers and wildflower lovers.
Independence Lake Preserve
This is a great area for fishing, hiking, mountain biking and picnicking.
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