COMMEMORATIVE EMIGRANT TRAIL INTERPRETIVE LOOP

Just off HWY 89 north, past the Prosser neighborhood, pull into the Donner Camp Picnic Site to explore the Interpretive Trail—a ⅓ mile easy and accessible loop near Alder Creek, where historians believe the Donner family camped during that fateful winter of 1846-1847.

Markers dedicated to their nightmarish (their word, not ours) experience are placed strategically along the path. Those with a dark side won’t miss the irony of having lunch at the picnic area in the parking lot. For a lighter experience, the meadows, foliage, benches, and boardwalk provide a relaxing experience on one of the more scenic Truckee trails.

Find out: Which female survivor is depicted on one of the markers? Clue: She was four years old at the time of her rescue.