Donner Summit Railroad Tunnels
Hike through the abandoned transcontinental railroad tunnels at Donner Summit — a one-of-a-kind historical and scenic experience minutes from the inn.
- Category
- history
- Drive Time
- 15 min
- Distance
- 7 miles
- Season
- spring, summer, fall
What to Know
- ✓Walkable through the original 1860s Central Pacific Railroad tunnels at Donner Summit
- ✓Spectacular views of Donner Lake and the Sierra Nevada from the summit
- ✓Combines history, geology, and easy hiking
- ✓Roughly 1.7 miles of tunnels in total — flashlights recommended
- ✓Free and open to the public; no entrance fee
- ✓Often combined with a stop at the Donner Summit Historical Society
The Donner Summit railroad tunnels are one of the most unusual hikes in the Sierra Nevada — you walk directly through the original transcontinental railroad tunnels carved through granite by Chinese laborers in the 1860s. The tunnels were abandoned when a newer rail alignment opened mid-20th century and are now freely accessible to hikers. The route offers dramatic views down to Donner Lake and an unmistakable sense of standing in a piece of American history. Bring a flashlight for the longer tunnel sections.