2023 SUMMER HIKING SERIES
The Land Trust is proud of the accomplishments achieved during our 30+ years. We are delighted to showcase some of the properties we have protected and preserved due to the generosity of our supporters and partners. Join us for a hike this summer!
We are offering free docent led hikes on Land Trust lands and trails this summer. Explore Donner Lake Rim Trail, Donner Summit Canyon, Elizabethtown Meadow and Waddle Ranch, Frog Lake Cliffs, Johnson Canyon, Lacey Meadows, Lower Carpenter Valley, Royal Gorge Rim Trail, Royal Gorge Rim Trail - Rowton Peak.
In addition to our scheduled hikes, we are also planning to capture the ephemoral beauty of the Sierra by offering “pick up hikes” that will be available with short notice. If there is a terrific floral bloom or butterfly migration or extravagent waterfalls, we will send out invitations to everyone on our e-mailing list.
Join our mailing list to stay informed!
DONNER LAKE RIM TRAIL
This moderate hike (one steep section) will take hikers on a four mile loop to the Drifter Hut, which sits on a ridge top with views to the northwest of Castle Peak and Frog Lake Cliffs, as well as a full Sierra panorama to the south. The return follows The Far Side trail and at its highest point, 7,818 ft, you will be treated to phenomenal 360 degree views. There are approximately 700 ft in elevation change.
DONNER SUMMIT CANYON
The trail up the Donner Summit Canyon follows much of the old Dutch Flat/Donner Lake Wagon Road, which later served as the Lincoln Highway. There is lots of history on this moderately strenuous 6-mile round trip hike with 1000 feet of elevation gain. See Native American petroglyphs, the China Wall, and the world’s first automobile underpass (1913).
Waddle Ranch
Come with us on a hike on the east side of the Martis Valley. The preserve provides excellent habitat for many birds and mammals. The trail crosses over Martis Dam and leads to an overlook with expansive views of the Martis Valley, and then on to Lake Ella. It is a moderate 6-mile hike with 784 feet in elevation gain. The hike takes 3.5 to 4 hours.
FROG LAKE CLIFFS
Join the Truckee Donner Land Trust for a hike along the Warren Lake Trail to enjoy views of the sheer cliffs above Frog Lake. This is a difficult out and back 7.5-mile hike.
JOHNSON CANYON
Join us on an almost 3-mile round trip moderately easy hike through Johnson Canyon, which is the home of the headwaters of Gregory Creek, an important tributary of Donner Lake. The trail provides an incredibly scenic route for hikers, runners, and mountain bikers to connect with the Donner Lake Rim Trail. Johnson Canyon is a popular site for wildlife and wildflower viewing. This property sustains a number of rare species and plays a vital role in the Truckee River Watershed.
LACEY MEADOWS
We love the wildflowers and many species of birds on the easy 7.1-mile round trip on Lacey Valley Trail, located near the Webber Lake campground. This hike crosses through two large meadows, Lower Lacey Meadow and Upper Lacey Meadows.
Here is a unique opportunity to learn more about Lacey Meadows. After a week of hands-on studying in the field, 8th to 12th grade participants in the Headwaters Girls Summer Science Camp will be stationed throughout the meadow to present what they’ve learned about ecology and hydrology. This will be a great way to learn more about the landscape of Lacey Meadow and Webber Lake, AND to help support the next generation of stewards and scientists!
LOWER CARPENTER VALLEY
Access to Lower Carpenter Valley is fully open to the public starting in 2020. There is a 5-mile lollypop trail with bridges, boardwalks and puncheons to provide views of the valley while protecting the abundant wildlife and fragile ecosystem.
ROYAL GORGE RIM TRAIL - Point Mariah
This 5-mile moderately strenuous hike shows off fabulous views down into the Royal Gorge of the north Fork of the American River and the surrounding wilderness.
ROYAL GORGE RIM TRAIL - ROWTON
This moderately strenuous 5-mile hike is an exploration of the Royal Gorge Rim Trail to Rowton arches. The hike passes through several wildflower and bird areas, offers expansive views of the Pacific Crest and the Granite Chief Wilderness, and you will see some impressive volcanic geology. The views from the ridgeline make the two-mile climb more than worthwhile.