I am one of those people that actually loves stopping at rest stops. Not just to stretch or use the restroom, but to totally enjoy nature at its finest. And this place ranks as one of the better rest stops I've been to. This is none other than "Donner Summer Westbound - Nevada County". Located on westbound I-80 (which is Reno to Sacramento), this particular rest stop is located just a few miles west of Truckee and is actually part of the California State Department of Transportation. This place does offer ample parking with a sizable lot that is easily capable of accommodating all vehicle sizes. One great thing about this place is their dedicated restrooms. It is housed in a stone building which is much needed since the 7,000 ft elevation can bring very cold and harsh conditions from fall through spring. And I will say that I've been here a few times during December/January where the temperature can drop below 0°F so make sure to bring warm clothes if you choose to exit your vehicle. Finally, inside also houses two vending machines; one for snacks and the other for drinks. However, many people don't know a lot about the history that took place here back in the 1840's. Many of the settlers of the ill-fated Donner party had to resort to cannibalism to survive. Sadly, many of the died of the harsh inclement elements as well as lack of food on their journey. There is also a giant plaque on a boulder commemorating this moment in California's early history. You will also encounter a decent sized Indian totem in close proximity. Since I am a huge history buff, I enjoy actual sites where all of this transpired. Aside from all of that, the views here are incredible, especially for a rest stop. If you walk a little off the beaten path that has 100+ foot trees, a rocky/snowy hiking area, and even a small lake surrounded by plants and other foilage. During my most recent visit which was on Saturday 7/1/2023 at around 7:30pm, there was still a fairly decent amount of rock hard snow on the ground that was remnants of the late spring storms this area got. With that said and done, I am giving the "Donner Summer Westbound - Nevada County" an above average four-star rating. read more

See all

On Sunday my mom, toddler and I stopped by to take a restroom break and build a snow man. This stop is just 6 miles from the true and tragic story of the Donner party in the year 1846-1847 who had to resort to survival cannibalism after completely running out of food as a last resort. They walked so many miles that their feet left bloody trails behind and probably half of the party parished. For the complete story watch The Donner Party: What really happened on Youtube from Mortician Caitlin Doughty. After doing some research of my own she explained it the best. I would recommend making a stop to take a little walk in the snow before it melts or take a leak. I mean when you have to go you have to go right and they're plenty of stalls!? When we visited the vending machines were not filled in case you're looking for a bite, they could have been re-stocking tho. We'll definitely be back next time we're in the area! read more

See all

It's gonna sound weird because who really reviews highway rest stops? But this one is worthy of being reviewed ... at least to this Coloradoan that often road trips to the Bay Area. Whether I stop here or further down the hill at the Gold Run rest area depends upon the state of my bladder and, in the winter, whether there's been a big enough snow storm to close this one. As with Gold run, the rest area is nestled into Sierra forestland, which makes it a nice place to stretch your legs in addition to using the facilities. When it is open during the winter there is some great people watching, too -- Californians and snow makes for a big LOL. read more

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!" read more

Donner Summit Westbound - Nevada County - Donner is not near as Handsome (or Animated) as Olaf, but's he's the 1st Snowman I've built in 10 years! - Parks Near Me - Truckee, California

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 read more

Donner Summit Westbound - Nevada County - Parks Near Me - Truckee, California

Good clean stop if you gotta pee or something else. Lots of parking and you can even have a picnic if you want. Winter is a different story, it's closed during storms sometimes. Better than most rest stops in NV. read more

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. read more

See all

Tell me I'm not the only one who gets hungry the moment you see the sign for Donner Summit. Anyway, I'm usually coming from Tahoe and heading over to the Bay area. The rest stop is about 40 minutes from my house and being a lady now noted by some as "middle-aged" - harrumph - it's not unusual for me to make a pit stop "just in case." Bathrooms are always clean and its parklike setting means my four legged back seat driver can also jump out to do his thang. Also, this is my barometer during winter driving - if I get up to this rest stop and the roads look bad, I will turn around at the next exit and save myself a what is supposed to be a three hour drive into a six hour white knuckled drive of horror. read more

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 read more

See all

Abby S. is so right about this particularly scenic and peaceful rest stop. However, it is Construction season in the Sierra's and this little oasis is temporarily closed. But since the traffic can slow down considerably here, there's still plenty of time and opportunity to enjoy the view. read more

I played in the snow. . . . . Super great, great spot, perfect spot. This is the most perfectist spot ever. I could never find myself anywhere else but this spot. Best spot. I saw a bird. read more

Pretty nice, even in the middle of the seasons first storm... Heck, maybe nicer due to that -- nearly the entire lot to hit us and a few truckers who'd not packed chains, and cozy warm and clean inside. read more

Donner Summit Westbound - Nevada County - The parking lot, predominately covered in snow, but ample for both big rig parking in the center and cars right in front. - Parks Near Me - Truckee, California

See all

Coming back from Reno, this offers a most beautiful view. A great place for a quick rest before really going down towards Auburn. You could stay there for a long time just enjoying the scenery. read more

This is a nice rest stop. There is a vending machine at the enterance right before the bathrooms, it's a nice snack during a short road trip. The bathroom can use a bit of maintainece, it looks new and messy, partials of tissue paper all over the men's restroom. The floor looks wet with shoe prints stamped onto the ground. On another note, there's a nice Sierra breeze coming along during the warm season with a creek of water running by, overall it's simple and elegant. read more

THE REST AREA IS NOT A PLACE TO PLAY IN THE SNOW! If you want to go play in the snow go to a snow park. The rest area is state property and it is illegal to snow play on state property! When people play at the rest areas that takes Caltrans workers and CHP Officers away from the roads to make sure they are running smoothly. They are supposed to make sure the roads are safe along with the travelers, however, when people decided to use the rest areas as a play ground the workers and officers have to get taken from the roads to kick people out of the rest areas, so that other people can use the rest areas for what they are for to use the facilities and go on their merry way. read more

This is a pretty awesome rest stop. The area is clean and well maintained. The bathrooms are mostly clean and have a lot of natural light. The area is quite pretty - lots of trees and granites, areas to climb around on, even a short trail to hike. Lots of informational signs and posters. It's a great place to stop, eat lunch at a picnic table, and stretch your legs a bit. read more

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

I have never stopped here, but my son needed a diaper change and there are no changing stations on the men's and women's bathrooms. With the recent remodel I would have expected at least a place to change our son. Very very very disappointed. read more

Nice place for a rest stop and for kids to play in the snow. But the Highway Patrol has been kicking the families out just to make them go play at the Snow Park at Kingvale for $10 per person plus $10 for parking. Such an evil thing to rip people off. I've never been kick out from this rest area for the past 30 years. This is all government's way to rip people off. read more