• Tahoe City - The tour commences here, showcasing the stunning beauty of Lake Tahoe and its surrounding alpine forests.
• Gatekeeper’s Museum - The tour kicks off at this museum, which provides historical insights and artifacts related to the Donner Party and the area’s history.
• Truckee River - Follow the scenic path of the Truckee River, offering breathtaking views and insights into the natural obstacles encountered by the Donner Party.
• Truckee - Drive through Truckee, a delightful town celebrated for its rich history as the Ice Capital of the West, with optional opportunities to explore local shops and eateries.
• Historic Downtown Truckee & Visitor Center - Discover the historic core of Truckee, learning about its past and its significance on the Donner Party’s route.
• Donner Memorial State Museum - This optional stop features comprehensive exhibits on the Donner Party, including personal artifacts, diaries, and detailed historical narratives.
• Donner Lake - Enjoy the scenic views of this lake, a crucial location for the Donner Party, offering a poignant perspective of where they were stranded.
• Donner Lake Overlook - This spot provides breathtaking views of Donner Lake and the surrounding mountains, offering insight into the terrain and conditions faced by the Donner Party.
• Donner Summit Road - The Donner Summit is a pivotal point on the journey, emphasizing the challenges of crossing the Sierra Nevada and the summit’s historical significance.
• Donner Ski Ranch - The tour concludes here, with an option to explore the abandoned Donner Pass train tunnel #6, providing a unique historical and adventurous experience.

• Unlimited, lifetime use of the tour before and after booking date
• Virtual playback option to listen like an audiobook from anywhere
• Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
• Self-guided GPS tour for exploring at your own pace
• Directions to the starting point for automatic tour start

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!

• Please bring your own smartphone and headphones

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.