From US$15 per person
Book tickets on Viator (opens in a new tab): Self-Guided Driving Tour from Tahoe City to Donner SummitYou book and pay on viator.com. Inclusable may earn a commission.
4.3 / 5 from 4 reviews on Viator
- Group size
- Up to 15
- Language
- English
- Rating on Viator
- 4.3 / 5 · 4 reviews
About this tour
Follow the Donner Party pioneers' trail as you hear their ill-fated saga unfold on this self-guided driving tour. Experience the magic of GPS playback on this immersive self-guided driving tour from Tahoe City to Donner Summit.
When the Reed family became trapped and snowbound in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, their lives would never be the same. On this driving tour, you’ll hear Virginia Reed’s firsthand account of the challenges and victories that these members of the Donner Party pioneer group experienced while stranded for almost four months, through the 12-year-old’s journal.
On the drive, you'll visit the Donner Memorial State Park, take in the spectacular view from the top of the Donner Summit, and contemplate the difficulties the Donner Party experienced in the winter of 1846–47.
You may stop where you want, when you want, and for as long as you want. It’s up to you!
Accessibility, as stated by the supplier
- Wheelchair accessible
Meeting point: The tour starts at the Parking Lot of the Gatekeepers Museum, 130 W Lake Blvd., Tahoe City, California (39.166390, -120.143661). The entrance to this parking lot is off of W. Lake Blvd. in Tahoe City between Fanny Bridge and Bank of the West.
Provided through Viator and not verified by Inclusable. Ask the supplier about your specific needs before you book.
Itinerary
View itinerary · 10 stopsHide itinerary
- 1
This is the tour's starting point, offering a glimpse into the picturesque beauty of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding alpine forests.(pass by)
- 2
This is where the tour begins, providing historical context and artifacts related to the Donner Party and the region’s history.(pass by)
- 3
Follow the path of the Truckee River, which offers stunning views and insights into the natural challenges faced by the Donner Party.(pass by)
- 4
Drive through Truckee, a charming town known for its rich history as the Ice Capital of the West, with optional opportunities to explore and enjoy local shops and eateries.(pass by)
- 5
Explore the historic heart of Truckee, learning about its past and the significance of its location on the Donner Party’s route.(pass by)
- 6
This optional stop offers in-depth exhibits on the Donner Party, including personal artefacts, diaries, and detailed historical accounts.(pass by)
- 7
Take in the sights of the scenic lake, which was a key location for the Donner Party and provides a sobering view of the area where they were stranded.(pass by)
- 8
This offers spectacular views of Donner Lake and the surrounding mountains, giving perspective on the terrain and conditions faced by the Donner Party.(pass by)
- 9
The Donner Summit is a significant point on the journey, highlighting the challenges of crossing the Sierra Nevada and the historical importance of the summit.(pass by)
- 10
The final stop, with an option to visit the abandoned Donner Pass train tunnel #6, offering a unique historical and adventurous experience.(pass by)
Know before you go
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please bring your own smartphone and headphones
Included
- Get unlimited, lifetime use of this tour, before your booking date and after it
- The virtual playback option, so you can listen to this tour like an audiobook from anywhere
- Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
- Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
- Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Location & contact
- Area
- Lake Tahoe, California
- Meeting point
- The tour starts at the Parking Lot of the Gatekeepers Museum, 130 W Lake Blvd., Tahoe City, California (39.166390, -120.143661). The entrance to this parking lot is off of W. Lake Blvd. in Tahoe City between Fanny Bridge and Bank of the West
- Contact
- The tour operator’s own details aren’t published. Questions about access or your booking go through Viator, which handles the booking and passes your request to the operator.
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