Truckee

Truckee is a mountain town in Nevada County, located about 8 miles (13 km) west of Lake Tahoe in the Sierra Nevada. Wooden storefronts and historic buildings line the main street, preserving the look of a railroad settlement.

The Central Pacific Railroad established a station here in 1867, enabling travel through the Sierra Nevada during westward expansion. Construction of the line and timber industries quickly turned the area into a permanent settlement.

The name Truckee derives from a Paiute chief, Tru-ki-zo, who assisted early settlers and greeted them with welcoming words in his native language.

The town sits at around 5800 feet (1800 m) elevation, and snowfall often starts in November and continues through spring. Shops and services in the center are within walking distance, though warm clothing can be helpful even in early summer.

In winter, snowdrifts can nearly cover rooftops and street signs, giving the center the feel of a village from another era. Wooden buildings often wear caps of snow that remain for months.

Location: Nevada County

Elevation above the sea: 1,773 m

Website: https://townoftruckee.com

GPS coordinates: 39.34222,-120.20361

Latest update: December 15, 2025 22:02