Cancel

Open app

Search

Donner Summit Westbound - Nevada County

3.8 (19 reviews)

Donner Summit Westbound - Nevada County Photos

You might also consider

More like Donner Summit Westbound - Nevada County

Recommended Reviews - Donner Summit Westbound - Nevada County

Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
Yelp app icon
Browse more easily on the app
Review Feed Illustration

Reviews With Photos

Donner is not near as Handsome (or Animated) as Olaf, but's he's the 1st Snowman I've built in 10 years!
Michelangelo S.

Yes! Pit Stop! SITREP Somewhere on Donner Summit there is this nice, convenient rest stop along I-80. And just when I needed it - I gotz to pull over and relieve the ...uh....pressure. THE SETUP Initially nothing TOO special: * Your standard rest area with men's & women's restrooms, * And a map area to consult from to get your bearings on this large region this is within, * And there was a beautiful Indian totem nearby. SNOW But more than that, because of the elevation of this region with respect to the Central Valley, there was a fun fun treat for me: SNOW! Dammit, there was SNOW! W00T! This was actually the first time in years (since last time to Seattle in Winter) I'd seen up close (let alone "touch") some snow! I took advantage of the moment and made me a lil snowman - I called him "Donner" - to celebrate the occasion. [Truth be told, he was more like three (3) SNOWBALLS *pressed together*, but hey, it's the spirit, right?] ;) Donner was not near as handsome nor "animated" in personality as Olaf from "FROZEN", and I'm pretty sure the lil guy is all melted by now, but...we shared a moment. And now I will always think of him, especially since he's gracing the picture album of this esteemed rest stop! THE LOWDOWN Great place to take a leak and build a snowman, but "Watch out where those huskies go, don't you eat that yellow snow!"

Brandon W.

Nice place for a break. A small lake with a nice breeze at this summit. Clean facilities but strangely no soda machines to caffeine up

Sivilay T.

Review #110 - 2016 I've never thought to write a review for a rest area before, but then again I can't recall the last time I needed to use one. However, this one definitely warrants a good review because it is located in a very nice area. The restrooms were kept nice and clean, at least for the Memorial Day weekend that I happened to stop by and stretched my legs because of the bumper-to-bumper traffic. I guess my brothers were a lot smarter than I was since they all left early & didn't have to fight the dreadful drive. Surprisingly enough, even though there were a lot of big rigs and family cars parked out front, the ladies's room seemed quite empty when I was there and there were a decent numbers of stalls so we didn't have to wait in line as I'd expected. You can smell the fresh air outside, take a few photos in front of the lake as you stare out into the beautiful mountains while taking in all of God's creations. It was amazing that you can still find snow on the mountaintop towards the end of spring.

Oops sorry dude, didn't mean to get you in the picture.
Abby S.

OK it's strange to review a rest stop, HOWEVER this one is gorgeous especially in the winter! Very park-like in atmosphere. I stop here frequently but usually ONLY to take pictures! :-) GPS Data Lon. = -120.34083 Lat. = 39.34128 Interstate 80; on Donner Pass. Nevada County

The parking lot, predominately covered in snow, but ample for both big rig parking in the center and cars right in front.

See all

3 years ago

Helpful 4
Thanks 0
Love this 3
Oh no 0

6 years ago

Helpful 18
Thanks 0
Love this 19
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

11 years ago

Helpful 19
Thanks 0
Love this 21
Oh no 0

10 years ago

Helpful 6
Thanks 0
Love this 4
Oh no 0
Photo of M L.
17
193
1258

5 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

10 years ago

Helpful 11
Thanks 0
Love this 15
Oh no 0
Photo of Allie A.
125
2915
1048

11 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Abby S.
123
206
701

18 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

16 years ago

Helpful 6
Thanks 0
Love this 5
Oh no 0

7 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

8 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Paul G.
19
381
175

14 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Nathan Y.
213
67
406

9 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

7 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

14 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Ju D.
6
248
115

10 years ago

The eastbound stop is better. This one is not as open and has more trees (good for photo op) and more slopes.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

11 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Angela T.
0
119
117

9 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

Ask the Community - Donner Summit Westbound - Nevada County

Review Highlights - Donner Summit Westbound - Nevada County

OK it's strange to review a rest stop, HOWEVER this one is gorgeous especially in the winter!

Mentioned in 6 reviews

Read more highlights

You might also consider

Verify this business for free

People searched for Parks 157 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

Verify this business

Donner Memorial State Park - Some boats you can rent by the lakeside

Donner Memorial State Park

4.2(169 reviews)
5.7 mi

Absolutely gorgeous park with such a rich and heartbreaking history. It's very well-maintained,…read moreespecially the monument erected on 1918 to remember the ill fated Donner Party. There is a museum with educational videos and displays of the Donner Party and the history behind the Chinese immigrants who built the railroad. The gift shop is well priced for the type of shop, and the buildings are all very clean. Great customer service. The park itself is an amazing place to visit and walk, even in the snow. You truly feel one with nature as you soak in the history and peaceful setting. Would absolutely one million percent recommend, and I'm so grateful to my best friend for bringing me here.

Features: Abundant…read moreparking, an all-levels hiking trail; a small-if-useful museum with lots o' info about the history of the Donner Party and people heading west through the Sierras; snow, if you come on the right days. I dunno--what were you looking for out of a drive up a mountain in winter to learn about people getting stranded for making bad choices about winter in the mountains? It seems like a pretty good metaphor for something. They (the signs and the local authorities enforcing them) threaten that tire chains are necessary during winter weather events (which was most certainly a thing that was happening during our trip), but they seem to give you a pass for AWD and snow tires. Bring chains if that's not what you're driving.

Photos
Donner Memorial State Park - Books, mugs

Books, mugs

Donner Memorial State Park - 10.06.24 Donner Memorial State Park

10.06.24 Donner Memorial State Park

Donner Memorial State Park - Hanging out in camp.

See all

Hanging out in camp.

West End Beach - Beautiful kid's park on the beach!

West End Beach

4.4(31 reviews)
3.1 mi

My favorite beach in the Tahoe Truckee area. I love it even more then King's beach. Why do I love…read moreit so much. Usually parking isn't an issues. This time there weren't any parking spaces in the lot. We went around twice, but no cigar. We ended up finding a place on the street across from the back entrance. We lucked out. I also love that it's not as busy as kings beach. This time it was packed, but we still found 2 great spots. One in the shade and another in the sun right there on the sand and steps away from the lake. They offer boat rentals: Pedal boats and canoes or kayaks, I wasn't close to tell, it was one or the other. They also have 2 lifeguards on duty. If you get the munchies or are thirsty thy have a snack-shack. Unfortunately they were out of hot dogs. And lastly they have pretty clean bathrooms. 2 stalls in one and a family bathroom. They also have tennis courts. And a Basketball court and play structure for the kiddos. If you want a picnic table you can reserve one or just arrive early. If you want pick of spots arrive early. If you want a parking spot luck out when someone leaves or arrive early. Summer time is a prime time to come. It's $12 per person during the summer. If you come before the 4th of July the snack-shack is closed, but it's free to enter and there is plenty of parking. We usually come before the 4th of July so we were surprised to see some many people and a packed parking lot, but we totally get it, It was a perfect day. In the 80's not to hot or cold. They have a swimming area which the lifeguards patrol. It's pretty shallow near shore. If you bring your paddle board like many people do you can do this outside the swimming area. You are allowed to bring inflatables. Someone had a giant unicorn and another party had a giant round party float. I'd return, but I'd go earlier in the day if I come in the summer time to ensure we get a parking space. We arrived around 1pm and I believe it opens around 10 or 11am. So we weren't so late. There were just a lot of early birds.

Drove here from Sacramento for the day and had an absolute blast! Water was clear and gorgeous…read morescenery. The sand was actual beach-like sand and they had plenty of space to set up our small tent. Make sure to come early as finding parking is a nightmare. I believe we arrived around 8/9am on a Saturday and most of the parking spots were already taken.

Photos
West End Beach
West End Beach
West End Beach

See all

Donner Lake

Donner Lake

4.8(77 reviews)
3.1 mi

Right off of I-80 in Truckee this is one of the coolest…read moreplaces of the Sierra. Donner Lake is a true mountain getaway for activities from boating & fishing in the summer to snowshoeing in winter. Although it's a fraction in size to its bigger sibling Lake Tahoe, it offers a more relaxed alternative and just as many options of things to do on and off the water. Don't miss Donner State Park while visiting the lake. It is a giant part of local history.

Backround On Donner Lake: Named after the Donner Party, a group of pioneers who became trapped in…read morethe Sierra Nevada Mountains during the winter of 1846-47. The lake was originally known as Truckee Lake, but was renamed in their memory. The Donner Party's ill-fated journey and subsequent struggle for survival has made the area a place of both historical significance and tragedy Background On Visit: Reading articles about things to do near Lake Tahoe, we decided to visit this place. Location/Parking: Located along Donner Pass Rd.. Free parking on the west end of the lake. Ambiance: The views of the pine trees and water are very nice when you drive along Donner Pass Rd.. Probably be more enjoyable as a passenger. Perhaps next time. Entertainment: 1) Boating and Water Sports: Rent boats, kayaks, paddleboards, or hydrobikes at Donner Lake Watersports. 2) Fishing: Donner Lake is known for kokanee salmon and various trout species. 3) Swimming: Enjoy the lifeguard-staffed West End Beach Park or swim at the public piers. 4) Hiking Trails Donner Lake For Thought: Choose Donner Lake for a more serene and accessible experience with a unique history and warmer water. :)

Photos
Donner Lake
Donner Lake - 10.06.24 California's Donner Lake got its name from the Donner Party

10.06.24 California's Donner Lake got its name from the Donner Party

Donner Lake

See all

Truckee Legacy Trail - Glenshire - Sunset in January over the bridge - 5:30pm time mid January

Truckee Legacy Trail - Glenshire

4.8(13 reviews)
12.1 mi

Got an early weekday start this morning on the trail. Started from Truckee Regional Park (free…read moreparking) and headed east to Glenshire parking. 4.53 miles with 213' vertical gain at approximately 5700' elevation. A popular ride along the Truckee river. The City has a lot of pride in this trail. Fully paved and well maintained. This trail has a lot of bike riders, families and dog walkers. Just note: lots of dogs off leash. Bike or walk the trail and then meander into downtown nearby for lunch or dinner. A perfect plan to enjoy a beautiful day in the Truckee area.

"Great place for a run, bike ride, or stroll."…read more This is one of the more well-known trails in Truckee. I call it a trail, but it's really paved. There is a nice little parking area at the trailhead off Glenshire. You can take the trail all the way to downtown Truckee. It's a beautiful vista, and obviously popular with the locals. Not long after leaving the trailhead, I spotted remnants of a dam. I'm told there used to be an ice block business located right there. The dam created a pond, used to cut ice blocks from. The day that I visited there were tons of bikers and walkers. Most of the bikers had e-bikes. Some go fast, so be aware. If you enjoy the hobby of geocaching, there are tons of geocaches along this trail. Keep in mind there aren't any facilities or water along this trail. At least, none that I saw.

Photos
Truckee Legacy Trail - Glenshire - Early morning walks with the dogs!

Early morning walks with the dogs!

Truckee Legacy Trail - Glenshire - Geocache hidden under a big boulder

Geocache hidden under a big boulder

Truckee Legacy Trail - Glenshire

See all

Donner Summit Westbound - Nevada County - parks - Updated May 2026

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...