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-By Jessie Cassidy

With summer in full swing here in the Truckee Tahoe area, we would like to share with you some of our favorite hikes in the area. From Donner to South Lake, the Tahoe area has some of the best hiking around, from lakeside strolls along Tahoe, to long climbs in Desolation Wilderness; we’d like to highlight some of our personal favorites.

Donner Peak, situated high above Donner Lake offers spectacular views of Truckee, the crest, and numerous other peaks and valleys in the area. The hike is relatively short, moderate in difficulty, and offers some of the best views of the Truckee area. Starting at the top of Donner Pass off of Old Highway 40, by the old Sugar Bowl Academy building, Donner Peak is accessed first by the Pacific Crest Trail and then by the Mt. Judah trail. The trail winds up the mountainside with numerous switchbacks that offer amazing views of Lake Van Norden, Lake Mary, Sugar Bowl Resort, and the surrounding peaks, including Castle Peak. Pine Trees, lupine, and wildlife make the hike up a little more enjoyable and scenic. Once to the top you are treated to a panoramic view of the Crest, Truckee, Donner Lake, Coldstream Canyon, and much more. Once at the top it is not uncommon to come across rock climbers as Donner Peak is known for its amazing granite walls and superior rock climbing.

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Recently, Josh and I hiked Donner Peak at dusk to witness the sunset from this amazing peak. Hiking at dusk makes for an enjoyable experience as it is much cooler, there are less people, and the light makes for some amazing photos. The sunset from Donner Peak is amazing as you watch the sun sink below the Sierra out towards the Pacific. Hiking down in the dark also makes for a fun experience, when the moon is bright enough you can turn off your headlamps and walk through the dimly lighted forest under the moon. Just watch out however as there are many frogs and other wildlife that come out at night that make for an even more interesting hike down.

This short 1.5 hour hike is perfect for anyone looking for a short hike, and can even be extended with the option to hike out to Mt. Judah, or continue along the Pacific Crest Trail. With amazing views, and easy access, the Donner Peak Hike is a must for anyone in the Truckee Tahoe area.

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