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Self-Guided Driving Tour from Tahoe City to Donner Summit

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from $14.99 per vehicle

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2 to 3 hours (approx.)
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Overview

Follow the Donner Party pioneers' trail as you hear their ill-fated saga unfold on this self-guided driving tour. Experience the magic of GPS playback on this immersive self-guided driving tour from Tahoe City to Donner Summit.

When the Reed family became trapped and snowbound in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, their lives would never be the same. On this driving tour, you’ll hear Virginia Reed’s firsthand account of the challenges and victories that these members of the Donner Party pioneer group experienced while stranded for almost four months, through the 12-year-old’s journal.

On the drive, you'll visit the Donner Memorial State Park, take in the spectacular view from the top of the Donner Summit, and contemplate the difficulties the Donner Party experienced in the winter of 1846–47. 

You may stop where you want, when you want, and for as long as you want. It’s up to you!

What's Included

  • Get unlimited, lifetime use of this tour, before your booking date and after it
  • The virtual playback option, so you can listen to this tour like an audiobook from anywhere
  • Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

    Meeting Location

    Meeting point

    West Lake Boulevard
    Tahoe City, CA 96145, USA

    Show on Google Maps

    Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

    End point

    Donner Pass Road
    Norden, CA 95724, USA

    The tour ends at the Donner Ski Ranch parking lot.

    What To Expect

    Tahoe City (Pass By)

    This is the tour's starting point, offering a glimpse into the picturesque beauty of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding alpine forests.
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    Gatekeeper's Museum (Pass By)

    This is where the tour begins, providing historical context and artifacts related to the Donner Party and the region’s history.
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    Truckee River (Pass By)

    Follow the path of the Truckee River, which offers stunning views and insights into the natural challenges faced by the Donner Party.
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    Truckee (Pass By)

    Drive through Truckee, a charming town known for its rich history as the Ice Capital of the West, with optional opportunities to explore and enjoy local shops and eateries.
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    Historic Downtown Truckee & Visitor Center (Pass By)

    Explore the historic heart of Truckee, learning about its past and the significance of its location on the Donner Party’s route.
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    Donner Memorial State Museum (Pass By)

    This optional stop offers in-depth exhibits on the Donner Party, including personal artefacts, diaries, and detailed historical accounts.
    Read more

    Donner Lake (Pass By)

    Take in the sights of the scenic lake, which was a key location for the Donner Party and provides a sobering view of the area where they were stranded.
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    Donner Lake Overlook (Pass By)

    This offers spectacular views of Donner Lake and the surrounding mountains, giving perspective on the terrain and conditions faced by the Donner Party.
    Read more

    Donner Summit Road (Pass By)

    The Donner Summit is a significant point on the journey, highlighting the challenges of crossing the Sierra Nevada and the historical importance of the summit.
    Read more

    Donner Ski Ranch (Pass By)

    The final stop, with an option to visit the abandoned Donner Pass train tunnel #6, offering a unique historical and adventurous experience.
    Read more
    Show 8 more stops

    Additional Info

    • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Please bring your own smartphone and headphones
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

    Frequently Asked Questions

    (6)

    Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Self-Guided Driving Tour from Tahoe City to Donner Summit?

    A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (PDT). Read more Apr 2025

    Cancellation Policy

    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

    Still have questions?

    We're here to help.
    Activity code: C-110804P739


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    Frequently Asked Questions (6)

    Activity name

    The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Lake Tahoe customers.

    Filter by:

    Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Self-Guided Driving Tour from Tahoe City to Donner Summit?
    A:
    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
    • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
    • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
    • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
    • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (PDT).
    Apr 2025
    Q: What's included in the price?
    A:
    The following is included:
    • Get unlimited, lifetime use of this tour, before your booking date and after it.
    • The virtual playback option, so you can listen to this tour like an audiobook from anywhere.
    • Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata.
    • Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start.
    • Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour.
    Apr 2025
    Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
    A:

    There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure..

    Apr 2025
    Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
    A:

    If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

    If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

    Apr 2025
    Q: Is this an accessible tour?
    A:

    Accessibility information for the Self-Guided Driving Tour from Tahoe City to Donner Summit is as follows:

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Please bring your own smartphone and headphones
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    Apr 2025
    Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
    A:

    Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Self-Guided Driving Tour from Tahoe City to Donner Summit will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Lake Tahoe. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

     

     

    Mar 2024

    What's Included

    Activity name

    • Get unlimited, lifetime use of this tour, before your booking date and after it
    • The virtual playback option, so you can listen to this tour like an audiobook from anywhere
    • Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
    • Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start
    • Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour

    Additional Info

    Activity name

    • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Please bring your own smartphone and headphones
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

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    Free Cancellation

    100% refund
    No refund

    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

    • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
    • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
    • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
    • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (PDT).

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