Donner Peak

Donner Peak is a mountain summit in the Sierra Nevada, rising about one mile southeast of Donner Pass. The terrain offers hikers views of surrounding slopes and the high mountain landscape of the region.

In 1865, workers of the Central Pacific Railroad drilled tunnels through the northern cliff faces to establish a railroad route across the Sierra Nevada. This was a crucial step in connecting the West Coast with the rest of the country.

The Pacific Crest Trail passes along the western slope of Donner Peak, offering hikers panoramic views of the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains.

The ascent follows marked trails suitable for intermediate experience hikers and involves roughly 1,100 feet (335 meters) of elevation gain. Visitors should prepare for changing weather and bring sufficient water and supplies.

The summit receives over 10 meters of snowfall annually, making it one of the snowiest locations in continental United States. This extreme snow accumulation significantly complicated the construction of the historic railroad tunnels.

Location: Placer County

GPS coordinates: 39.30889,-120.31222

Latest update: December 12, 2025 14:26