Donner Pass, Road mountain pass in Sierra Nevada, California
Donner Pass extends for 15 miles between Truckee and Kingvale, reaching an elevation of 7,250 feet in the northern Sierra Nevada mountains.
The pass gained its name from the Donner Party tragedy of 1846, where only 45 of 81 pioneers survived a harsh winter crossing of the Sierra Nevada.
The completion of Tunnel #6 by Central Pacific Railroad in 1868 marked the first commercial transportation route through the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Interstate 80 crosses the pass year-round, though winter conditions often require tire chains and can lead to temporary road closures due to heavy snowfall.
The pass receives some of the highest snowfall amounts in the United States, with recorded annual totals exceeding 775 inches in certain years.
Location: California
GPS coordinates: 39.31583,-120.32139
Latest update: May 26, 2025 19:16
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6.9 km
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Kings Beach State Recreation Area
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