Day Hike (1A) Donner Tunnels (Placer Group)

Join the Sierra Club Placer Group on Sunday, July 6, 2025, for a day hike through the Donner Tunnels. We'll be hiking along a popular trail through several abandoned train tunnels, decorated with colorful graffiti and stunning views between. This hike is approximately 5 miles out and back and is suitable for those new to hiking and experienced hikers who love to explore new places. The pace of the hike will be on the slower side of moderate, allowing time to take in the many interesting sites along the way. The dirt trail is mostly flat, but features varied terrain, including gravel and rocks, and likely puddles and mud in the tunnels. Flashlights are essential for safety in the tunnels and to take in the amazing artwork. Wildlife sightings are possible. The trail has some exposure with limited shade in spots, so sunscreen is recommended, along with insect repellent for ticks and other critters. Well-behaved dogs on leash and under control at all times are OK. Rest breaks will be taken as needed. We estimate it will take 2 - 2.5 hours at an easy pace. [Optional lunch at the Donner Ski Ranch restaurant following the hike.] More than a light rain cancels. Hike stats: approximately 5 miles, elevation gain 351, with a base elevation around 7,000.

Bring: Sturdy boots or hiking shoes are recommended. Bring the essentials, including flashlight, water, snacks, sunscreen, insect repellent, and layers for changeable temperatures. Please bring cash if you wish to join a carpool. (Note: Recommended carpool reimbursement rate is up to $7.00 per hour per carpool participant, or whatever you and your driver agree to.)

Sierra Club Medical/Waiver Forms: Fill out and bring this emergency medical form: [https://tinyurl.com/ycy985mt](https://tinyurl.com/ycy985mt). Leader will check to make sure you have a completed form, then you'll carry it with you in your pack. Each participant will also be required to sign the Sierra Club Sign-In & Waiver Form at the trailhead or meetup location.

The hike is limited to 30 participants. Leaders: Aileen Allison-Zarea and Kathy Verrue-Slater. If needed. email us at:[placeroutingsleads@gmail.com]

Carpooling - Meet at 7:30 AM at Taylor Road Park-n-Ride (adjacent to Golfland-Sunsplash). Vehicles will depart by 7:45 a.m.
Trailhead: For those meeting at trailhead, meet at approximately 9:00 AM. Hike to start around 9:15 am.

Link to Hike:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/donner-tunnels

Notes: Free parking is available in a large dirt parking lot at the trailhead, accessed via a very short, but rough dirt road off of Sugar Bowl Road (see directions in AllTrails - signs that point to Alpineer Ski Club and Oakland Ski Club mark the dirt road to the parking area). Four-wheel drive is not required, but drivers with low clearance vehicles may opt to park at the Donner Ski Ranch restaurant lot across the street instead.

Signup Restrictions: If you are feeling sick or have been exposed to someone who has recently (within the past 5 days) been sick from or tested positive for COVID-19, please do not join this trip.
Also, please do not sign up for this outing if you: (1) are not committed to attending as space is limited, or (2) have disabled your Meet-Up email, in whole or in part. (We need to be able to communicate with RSVPs collectively and individually.) If your Meet-Up settings do not allow us to use the Meet-Up email system as indicated, your RSVP will not be accepted.