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Truckee, California

Truckee, California, is an adventurer's paradise. With its stunning mountain scenery, meandering rivers, and lush forests, the area is a great destination for activities and attractions. From top-rated trails and scenic hikes to must-visit adventures, the area offers plenty of opportunities to explore the great outdoors. Popular attractions in and near Truckee include Donner Lake, Donner Memorial State Park, and the Truckee River. For those looking for an outdoor experience, the nearby Sierra Nevada Mountains offer a variety of activities, including rock climbing, mountain biking, and skiing. Additionally, the area is home to a number of smaller parks, perfect for a picnic or a leisurely stroll. With its abundance of activities and attractions, Truckee, California, is the perfect place to experience the best of nature.

Top Spots in and near Truckee

  • Truckee, California

    Ski and Snowboard Northstar

    3.5
    Northstar California, previously known as Northstar-at-Tahoe, is located near the north shore of Lake Tahoe and is home to over 3,000 acres of skiable terrain. The resort is known for its laid back atmosphere coupled with high-end luxury accommodations, shopping and dining.The resort is home to i...
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  • Truckee, California

    Ride the Truckee Bike Park

    5.0
    1 mi / 50 ft gain
    Truckee bike park is a great destination for all ages of bike riders. There are several different features including a pump track, dual slalom course, dirt jumps, strider track and more! This park is kid friendly but be sure to pack a helmet and pads especially for first-timers. More experienced ...
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  • Truckee, California

    China Cove Loop at Donner Lake

    4.6
    3.11 mi
    This is a casual hike in an area with a ton of history. Stop by the museum before or after your hike to learn about the Donner Party, the Transcontinental Railroad, and local Native Americans Park at the Donner Lake and Memorial State Park Visitor Center and walk west towards the lake. Cross the...
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  • Truckee, California

    Mt. Judah Loop Trail

    5.0
    5.5 mi / 1700 ft gain
    A wonderful hike in Lake Tahoe is the Mt. Judah Loop Trail that offers sweeping views of Donner Lake and the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains on the North Shore. As a resident on the North Shore, many of my recreational activities favor this side of the Lake but there are marvelous hikes in ...
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  • Truckee, California

    Cross-Country Ski to Drifter Hut

    3.0
    9.6 mi / 980 ft gain
    Set out from the Tahoe Donner Cross Country center in Truckee at 6,650 feet elevation. Day passes range from $12 to $34, depending on time of day and skier age, and provide access to over 100 kilometers of groomed trails. Leaving the day lodge, there are multiple options for skiing up to Drifter ...
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  • Truckee, California

    Donner Lake Public Docks

    4.5
    In the northwest corner of Donner Lake, there are public docks run by the Truckee Donner Recreation & Parks district. It's free to lay out your towels and hang out, but there is a fee for launching boats on the ramp. Come over in the late afternoon, enjoy the sunset, and go for a swim as the ...
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  • 39.333252,-120.289482

    Donner Lake Rim Trail: Johnson Canyon to Trout Creek

    A perfect Sunday hike on your way back from a weekend at Lake Tahoe. Exit I-80 at Donner Lake and take the dirt road on the north side of I-80 to a large parking lot. A mild climb followed by a set of tougher switchbacks leads you to great views from Donner Ridge. Although adventuring out on t...
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  • Truckee, California

    Hike the Truckee Tunnels

    5.0
    To get here, drive along Donner Pass Rd. There is a turnoff about 100 yards away from the Donner Summit Bridge where you can park. The hike begins at a plaque for the China Wall- a large retaining wall built by Chinese railroad workers. Hike up the trail towards the tunnels. Some spots may requi...
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  • Soda Springs, California

    Hike to the Peter Benson Hut

    5.0
    11.6 mi / 1800 ft gain
    Drive to the top of Donner Summit via the Old Hwy 40 and park at the Donner Summit PCT trailhead, just past the Sugar Bowl Academy Building. Begin hiking up-hill through a somewhat forested area for about 2 miles. Shortly after you pass the trail sign for the Mt. Judah Loop, you will come to a sm...
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  • Soda Springs, California

    Snowshoe to the Peter Grubb Hut

    5.0
    8 mi
    The Peter Grubb Hut is located below Castle Peak in Round Valley, 3 miles north of the Castle Peak trailhead near I-80. Overnight parking is available at the California Sno-Park at the Boreal-Castle Peak exit on I-80. Park on the frontage road east of the Boreal Inn and walk back under the freewa...
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  • Soda Springs, California

    Summit Castle Peak

    4.0
    6 mi / 1800 ft gain
    The trailhead is very easy to access as it is just off Highway 80 at the Boreal Mountain exit. When taking the exit, take a turn to the North, rather than to Boreal on the South side of the Highway. On busy summer weekends this trailhead can get quite crowded so you may have to park at the bottom...
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  • Soda Springs, California

    Hike to the Top of Andesite Peak

    5 mi / 1000 ft gain
    From the trail map sign, follow the dirt path straight, following signs for the cross-country skiing route, not snowmobiling. Continue until you see a trail marker. You'll veer left to head over to the Hole in the Ground trail. Once you see another identical trail map board, you'll head left. Thi...
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  • Carnelian Bay, California

    Explore Carnelian Bay

    5.0
    Located on the northwest side of Lake Tahoe, Carnelian Bay is a fun place to spend the afternoon. However, there is no sand at Carnelian Bay as the ground is all large rocks. It's a great place to go swimming or SUPing in the summer, and it has a pier that you can jump off.  It is usually less cr...
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  • Olympic Valley, California

    Hike the Shirley Canyon Cascades Trail

    3.6 mi / 2109 ft gain
    This trail has lots of elevation over a short distance, be warned! The Shirley Canyon Cascades Trail is close to Olympic Valley in the North Lake Tahoe region. Dogs are allowed on this trail if kept on leash. 
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  • Olympic Valley, California

    Hike the Thunder Mountain Trail

    5.0
    3.2 mi / 2000 ft gain
    The Thunder Mountain Trail is the perfect hike to explore the Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows. Squaw may be famed for its mountain ski runs in the winter, but when the snow melts in the summer, beautiful alpine meadows line the mountain and the ski runs turn into hiking trails! The Thunder Mountain T...
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  • Tahoe City, California

    Purple Trail and Burton Creek Loop

    3.76 mi / 492 ft gain
    Burton Creek State Park is a moderate hike. It is a secluded peaceful hike that offers amazing views of the lake. This is a popular spot for mountain bikers, but is also ideal for hiking.  Much of the trail is through the forest and there are many maps and signs pointing out the trails. The hike ...
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Camping and Lodging in Truckee

Granite Flat (California)
Truckee, California

Granite Flat (California)

Alpine Meadows Campground
Truckee, California

Alpine Meadows Campground

Prosser Ranch Group
Prosser Dam Road

Prosser Ranch Group

Goose Meadows
Truckee, California

Goose Meadows

Boca Rest Campground
Truckee, California

Boca Rest Campground

Boca Spring
Truckee, California

Boca Spring

Guides, Insights and Stories from Truckee

Review: Hibear All-Day Adventure Flask

Review: Hibear All-Day Adventure Flask

Kristi Teplitz

Nordica Strider 115 Women’s Ski Boot Review

Nordica Strider 115 Women’s Ski Boot Review

Kristi Teplitz

Review: Body Glove Navigator+ Inflatable SUP w/ Backpack

Review: Body Glove Navigator+ Inflatable SUP w/ Backpack

Michael McSherry

The Gear I've Used to Make Turns All Year

The Gear I've Used to Make Turns All Year

Kristi Teplitz

Lake Life Essentials

Lake Life Essentials

Kristi Teplitz

La Sportiva Women's Skwama Climbing Shoe Review

La Sportiva Women's Skwama Climbing Shoe Review

Kristi Teplitz