Truckee Tunnels (Donner Tunnel Trails)

Norden, California

5.0/5

based on 6 reviews

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Distance

2.93 miles

Elevation Gain

138 ft

Description

Added by Shelby Montez

The Truckee Tunnels (Donner Tunnel Trails) are an awesome location just outside of Truckee, California for people who enjoy hiking and graffiti art.

To get to the parking area for the Truckee Tunnels (Donner Tunnel Trails), drive along Donner Pass Rd to Sugar Bowl Road. There is a parking area just south on Sugar Bowl Road after turning off Donner Pass. The hike begins at the trailhead across the road. An alternate starting point is further down at the plaque for the China Wall - a large retaining wall built by Chinese railroad workers. Hike up the trail towards the tunnels. Some spots may require a bit of scrambling, but it is not too difficult. Once you have reached the top, the terrain is very easy and you can walk through the tunnels in both directions.

The tunnels are filled graffiti, but can get darker so make sure you bring a flashlight. Occasionally, the tunnels have large openings with amazing views of the mountains. It may feel a little bit creepy in these long dark tunnels, so make sure to bring a friend along with you! Also, if you decide to climb on top of the tunnels, make sure that you can find a safe way down.

The tunnels go on for quite a long distance, so hike out as far as you'd like.

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Truckee Tunnels (Donner Tunnel Trails) Reviews

Dominic Pascucci

Explorer

Truckee Tunnels (Donner Tunnel Trails)

11/10/22

This is one of my favorite hikes in truckee. It’s so different I just love it. You hike through the old train tunnels and they’re covered in graffiti but it’s just so different it makes it great!! Through the third tunnel, the long one, there’s an opening where you get great views of donner lake.

5.0

Sherron Baker

Wanderer

Truckee Tunnels (Donner Tunnel Trails)

01/11/19

I absolutely loved the Truckee tunnels!! The hike up is super easy and the view over Donner Lake is amazing. The artwork in the tunnels is over the top crazy cool. We definitely did not plan enough time though, the tunnels seemed to go on and on. Definitely bring a flashlight and a camera. Do this adventure! It’s not super physical, but the juxtaposition of the urban art in the middle of nature’s beauty is fantastic!

5.0

Ashley becker

Beginner

Truckee Tunnels (Donner Tunnel Trails)

09/09/18

Loved every minute of it... beautiful views and amazing art!Very easy once you scale the slight incline and rocks to reach the tunnels.Does get a little dark in some spots, otherwise a great place to take the kids.

5.0

Tony Paiz

Beginner

Truckee Tunnels (Donner Tunnel Trails)

10/25/17

Had an amazing trip up the old China wall and climbed around the face to the top of the tunnels! I was alone and the dark tunnel with no flashlight looked intense haha. Next time I'll bring some buddies, I highly recommend this place if you want an unordinary adventure!💪

5.0

Jami Delgado

Beginner

Truckee Tunnels (Donner Tunnel Trails)

07/12/17

Interesting walk that the whole family enjoyed. We went during the day and didn't require flashlights.

5.0

Megan Smart

Roamer

Truckee Tunnels (Donner Tunnel Trails)

09/03/16

LOVE this adventure. Definitely a local favorite.

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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Truckee Tunnels (Donner Tunnel Trails)

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Truckee Tunnels (Donner Tunnel Trails) Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Hike to the Peter Benson Hut

Snowshoe to the Peter Grubb Hut

Andesite Peak via Hole in the Ground Trail

Summit Castle Peak

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Donner Lake Public Docks

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