Skip to ContentDonner Pass is the Sierra crossing west of Truckee where the first transcontinental railroad, the Lincoln Highway and the Donner Party story all meet. This page is the map to the rest.
Checked November 2, 2026. Dates, prices and hours change; the official page wins.
- 4transcontinental firsts claimed (historical society)
- 45signs in the 20 Mile Museum (as of 2016)
- 50-60 minfrom Reno (our estimate)
- 5ski areas on the summit
The Most Crossed Square Mile
The Donner Summit Historical Society calls Donner Summit the site of the first transcontinental railroad, the first transcontinental highway (the Lincoln Highway), the first transcontinental air route and the first transcontinental telephone line. It also notes Native Americans summered here for thousands of years and left petroglyphs, mortars and projectile points, and that the first wagon train to reach California with wagons crossed the summit.
The 20 Mile Museum
Interpretive signs, two feet square, run mostly along Old Highway 40 and nearby from Auburn to Truckee; the society counted 45 as of the beginning of 2016, with a map and a GPX file. Seasonal access to Old Highway 40 over the summit is not confirmed; check with Caltrans before you drive it.
What to See
- China Wall, Rainbow Bridge, Summit Tunnel and the snow sheds.
- Donner Lake from the pass.
- The Donner Party, whose survivors and rescuers crossed this summit.
Nearby Ski Areas
Sugar Bowl, Donner Ski Ranch, Boreal, Soda Springs and Royal Gorge sit on the summit.
Getting There
About 50 to 60 minutes from Reno on I-80 (our estimate, no live traffic). Winter conditions change quickly; check Caltrans QuickMap.
On The Map
What We Could Not Confirm
These items were not read on an official page when we checked, so we do not state them as fact. Who can confirm each one is named.
- Whether Old Highway 40 is open over the summit in winter (Caltrans).
- Current number of 20 Mile Museum signs (Donner Summit Historical Society).
- Rainbow Bridge completion year (see the railroad page).
More to Explore
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Donner Pass the same as Donner Summit?
People use both; the historical society uses Donner Summit for the whole area and the pass for the crossing.
Sources
- Donner Summit Historical Society (primary local source)
- 20 Mile Museum (Donner Summit Historical Society)
Cite this page: It’s Reno editorial team, “Donner Pass,” itsreno.com, checked November 2, 2026.