Truckee Donner Land Trust Trails and Access Update
Public Access and Trails Coordinator Jesse clears a boulder from a Waddle Ranch trail.
The Land Trust’s trail stewardship crew is hard at work getting the trails ready for the summer.
Our team generally works from low elevations to high, with Elizabethtown Meadows and Waddle Ranch ready to go (and great this time of year!) The Land Trust is working with our partners at Truckee Trails Foundation on new trails in Waddle Ranch starting June 1 – this shouldn’t impact existing trails, but please be aware of activity in the area.
The snow on Truckee Springs has melted, but be prepared for property closures as we work with our partners at the Town of Truckee on the next phase of the Truckee River Legacy Trail, and stay tuned for when that paved path is complete.
The dirt roads through Perazzo Meadows are passable, save for a few muddy spots and down debris, and are improving each day. The gate at Webber Lake will be open soon, and the Lake is accessible for day use. Camping begins June 17. Until the parking opens, please be sure not to block access for vehicles getting the campground ready.
The road to Independence Lake is almost clear. Find out about our boating schedule and new requirements for a California Boater Safety Card here.
To the west, Donner Lake Rim Trail and Wendin Way are wonderful right now, with early season conditions and wildflowers beginning to emerge. Please be advised: The western stretch of DLRT still has snow and downed trees, while Wendin Way and the eastern stretch of the Rim Trail are clear. There will be a trail closure for wildfire fuels management starting May 31, lasting three weeks. See map for details.
Donner Summit Canyon is clear to the Donner Lake vista point and picnic area, with some passable snowdrifts melting quickly. The creek is full and the flowers and wildlife are out!
Lower Carpenter Valley is nearly ready. The clearing of downed trees on the trail is underway and trail repairs from the past winter are next – we plan to have the trailhead open in the coming weeks.
Royal Gorge trails on Rowton Peak are still snow-covered. Point Mariah is generally passable with early season conditions including downed trees and debris.
Nevada County will work on Old Highway 40 between Donner Summit Canyon and the summit this summer. There will continue to be road closures Monday through Friday all season, preventing access to Black Wall on those days. Learn more here.