Self-Guided Driving Tour from Tahoe City to Donner Summit

4.3 (4 reviews) 2–3 hours Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

4 reviews

4.3

Self-Guided Driving Tour from Tahoe City to Donner Summit — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Self-Guided Driving Tour from Tahoe City to Donner Summit, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

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!

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At a glance

Duration: 2–3 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Audio guide: English
Written guide: English
Operated by: VoiceMap Audio Tours

What is included

Included

Included: Get unlimited, lifetime use of this tour, before your booking date and after it
Included: The virtual playback option, so you can listen to this tour like an audiobook from anywhere
Included: Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
Included: Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
Included: Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

Itinerary

Tahoe City

Passing by

This is the tour's starting point, offering a glimpse into the picturesque beauty of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding alpine forests.
Gatekeeper's Museum

Passing by

This is where the tour begins, providing historical context and artifacts related to the Donner Party and the region’s history.
Stop 3

Passing by

Follow the path of the Truckee River, which offers stunning views and insights into the natural challenges faced by the Donner Party.
Truckee

Passing by

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.
Stop 5

Passing by

Explore the historic heart of Truckee, learning about its past and the significance of its location on the Donner Party’s route.
Stop 6

Passing by

This optional stop offers in-depth exhibits on the Donner Party, including personal artefacts, diaries, and detailed historical accounts.
Donner Lake

Passing by

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.
Stop 8

Passing by

This offers spectacular views of Donner Lake and the surrounding mountains, giving perspective on the terrain and conditions faced by the Donner Party.
Stop 9

Passing by

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.
Stop 10

Passing by

The final stop, with an option to visit the abandoned Donner Pass train tunnel #6, offering a unique historical and adventurous experience.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

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.

End point

The tour ends at the Donner Ski Ranch parking lot.

Using your ticket

VOICEMAP CODE

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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS

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1. Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:

2. Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app

3. Create an account

4. Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes

5. Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE

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You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.

This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.

When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.

Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT

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For technical support and other queries, please email [email protected]