Self-Guided Driving Tour from Tahoe City to Donner Summit Discount Tickets

5.0
★★★★★ ★★★★★
Based on 2 reviews |

Get your discount tickets for the Self-Guided Driving Tour from Tahoe City to Donner Summit, save up to 9% !

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!

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

The tour starts at the Parking Lot of the Gatekeepers Museum, 130 W Lake Blvd., Tahoe City, California (39.166390, -120.143661). The entrance to this parking lot is off of W. Lake Blvd. in Tahoe City between Fanny Bridge and Bank of the West.

End Point

End point

The tour ends at the Donner Ski Ranch parking lot.

Language Offered

English-AUDIO

English-WRITTEN

Itinerary

1. Tahoe City
This is the tour's starting point, offering a glimpse into the picturesque beauty of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding alpine forests.
2. Gatekeeper's Museum
This is where the tour begins, providing historical context and artifacts related to the Donner Party and the region’s history.
3. Truckee River
Follow the path of the Truckee River, which offers stunning views and insights into the natural challenges faced by the Donner Party.
4. Truckee
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.
5. Historic Downtown Truckee & Visitor Center
Explore the historic heart of Truckee, learning about its past and the significance of its location on the Donner Party’s route.
6. Donner Memorial State Museum
This optional stop offers in-depth exhibits on the Donner Party, including personal artefacts, diaries, and detailed historical accounts.
7. Donner Lake
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.
8. Donner Lake Overlook
This offers spectacular views of Donner Lake and the surrounding mountains, giving perspective on the terrain and conditions faced by the Donner Party.
9. Donner Summit Road
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.
10. Donner Ski Ranch
The final stop, with an option to visit the abandoned Donner Pass train tunnel #6, offering a unique historical and adventurous experience.

Inclusion

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

Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour

Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

Cancellation Policy

Check mark icon Refundable tickets

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

  • 100% refund if cancelled 1+ days before the start date
  • 0% refund if cancelled less than 1 day(s) before the start date

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Please bring your own smartphone and headphones

Supplied by VoiceMap Audio Tours

Reviews

5.0

★★★★★ ★★★★★
Based on 2 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

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