Survival in the Sierra: A 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. This real-life adventure starts at the Gatekeeper’s Museum. As you drive, you’ll hear how the Reed family left Springfield, Illinois in the spring of 1846 and arrived in California almost a year later in the winter of 1847. You’ll take the highway and the path that the Donner Party followed, and link up with the Truckee River to snake alongside its frigid rapids. You’ll have the option of visiting Palisades Tahoe, a ski resort formerly known as Squaw Valley, explore the town of Truckee, and take in spectacular views of Donner Lake along the way. The tour ends at Donner Ski Ranch, where you’ll have the option of visiting the abandoned Donner Pass train tunnel #6. As you drive and enjoy the picturesque beauty of Tahoe’s alpine forest, you’ll have the opportunity to: • Hear quotes from Across the Plains in the Donner Party: 1846-1847, Virginia Reed Murphy’s personal diary • Marvel at the views from the tram ride to the top of Palisades Tahoe (optional stop) • Find out why Squaw Valley changed its name • Hear why Truckee was known as the Ice Capital of the West • Understand the challenges of building a railroad over Donner Summit • Stroll along Truckee’s sidewalks and do some shopping or enjoy a meal in the quaint western town • Take in the spectacular view from the top of Donner Summit • Contemplate the difficulties the Donner Party experienced in the winter of 1846-47 • Visit the Donner Memorial State Park This 30-mile driving tour can be completed in about 90 minutes without any stops. On the other hand, this is your adventure. You may stop where you want, when you want, and for as long as you want. It’s up to you! Parking fees aren’t included in the price of this tour. For more detailed information about the stops on this tour please see “Places to stop along the way”. Please review the “Precautions” section for important information on driving and hiking. This is one of five VoiceMap driving tours I’ve written that explore the area in and around Lake Tahoe. Voice acting credit: Virginia Reed by Robin Baumann

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