Donner Pass

Donner Pass is a mountain route in the Sierra Nevada of northern California that runs between Truckee and Kingvale and reaches about 7200 feet in elevation. Interstate 80 passes over it and connects Sacramento with Reno through a landscape of granite, forests, and mountain lakes.

The crossing was first used by immigrant groups in the 1840s as thousands headed toward California. The Central Pacific Railroad built a tunnel through the mountains starting in 1864 to run trains between the East Coast and San Francisco.

The name comes from events in 1846 and is used today by drivers and hikers crossing the mountain route. Signs and markers along the way remember the early pioneers who traveled through this area.

The highway stays open throughout the year, but winter may require tire chains and heavy snowfall sometimes leads to short closures. Travelers heading through between November and April should carry winter gear and check road conditions before departure.

The area is among the snowiest in the United States and can receive over 65 feet (20 meters) of snow during some winters. These heavy snowfalls have led to the development of avalanche control and road clearing techniques that were later applied in many other regions.

Location: California

GPS coordinates: 39.31583,-120.32139

Latest update: December 12, 2025 21:13