Not our usual stop, we usually stop at the Gold Run rest stop before, but one of the guys needed to use the bathroom on our road trip. In my youth, we would NEVER stop at these rest areas; it was always Starbucks or fast food. These rest areas are much easier to go in and out! I save $$$ and I don't end up over-caffeinating or eating excessive amounts of fast food. Quality/Quantity - Good, easy parking, and clean enough restrooms. Safe. They also have water fountains and picnic tables if not buried under the snow. Pet friendly. Smoker friendly - cigarette ash dumps. Easy in and out. 14 truck spaces (if you are a truck driver). Atmosphere - When there is heavy snow, this rest stop is closed because it is not plowed. Picnic site, dog friendly. No RV dump station. No vending machines. Service - Self service. Price - Free, well our tax dollars at work. Owner Comment - Thanks for another good rest area; too bad it is so close to my usual stop. read more

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Just a dusting of snow up here at Donner Summit, Thanksgiving week, 2025. Easy on-off rest stop. Breathe in the fresh air. read more

Donner Summit Eastbound Rest Area - 11-26-25. Eastward bound - Rest Stops Near Me - Soda Springs, California

A good place for a restroom break and to stretch your legs from a long road trip. Step away from the restroom first, then you can take a breath of fresh Sierra Nevade air! LOL read more

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7/23/2023 Stopped to use the restroom.. (did not want to get caught in traffic because they were repairing the road.. Busy, but open stalls available.. Just happy the main essentials all worked!.. Easy access on /off the freeway! read more

Donner Summit Eastbound Rest Area - So glad to have a rest area! - Rest Stops Near Me - Soda Springs, California

A beautiful rest area. Very well maintained. The bathrooms are always clean and well supplied. They have a lake on property. You used to be able to walk up to it, but recently they put up a fence surrounding the whole area. You can still see between the slats and it's till a beautiful rest area. There is plenty of parking. The lot is a little rough. They have cones blocking off the rough areas. read more

Donner Summit Eastbound Rest Area - Rest area is not a snow park - Rest Stops Near Me - Soda Springs, California

Women's bathrooms were disgusting. Every stall was dirty. Tissue all over poop in and on toilets. Did not even use restrooms. Will wait till we get somewhere else!! This is on a Friday evening at 10 pm . read more

If you're here, that means you're not on Donner Summit Road and checking out the historic stuff at the Donner Summit Bridge https://www.yelp.com/biz/donner-summit-bridge-truckee?hrid=dS1eFXmThDWZWB5uc_H4ZA. It's not too late to fix that. This is a better than average rest area on I-80 heading east towards Tahoe. Not enough of a corner to slow people down but up here where flat land and blasting out mountainsides to make a parking lot is expensive, we'll take what we can get. There is room for 50ish cars and 15ish trucks. Restrooms and parking so that you can get some rest and stretch your legs. There is also an EV charging station here operated by CalTrans. It has CCS/SAE and CHAdeMO connectors available. It's not free. You can't see much from here and I've already mentioned the bridge. You should go there. [Review 17674 overall - 465 in California - 1195 of 2022.] read more

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I was heading back to Chico State when I stopped here during a Sunday afternoon at around 2pm. The women's side was atrocious on the side that wasn't being cleaned. It looked like heavy traffic (not surprising) trashed it and that it hadn't been properly cleaned for several hours. This is in stark contrast to what I did as a rest stop attendant. We cleaned them if needed after checking the stalls every hour. read more

Very clean when we came in to use restrooms. We walked around the area in the back of rest stop to stretch our legs a bit. Very pretty area. read more

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This rest stop is easy to get to as the exit is right off the I-80 eastbound and getting back on the freeway is just as easy. There's handicapped parking available. The bathrooms were clean and there were 2 sections of women's restrooms that are handicapped accessible. There are 3 sinks and 3 hand dryers. There's a water fountain with one being handicapped accessible. Behind the rest stop there's some nice scenery of the Tahoe forest and I think there might be a trail too. There's also a table to take a break or sit down to eat. The winter has taken a toll on the parking lot and definitely needs resurfacing. read more

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Yes, it's pretty odd to review highway rest stops, but Yelp keeps presenting this to me since it has been more than 3 months since it's been reviewed. Since I do make a point of stopping at this particular rest stop every time I drive back to CO from the Bay Area, it seems only right that I do post a review. Donner Summit is really your last chance for a nice highway rest stop on I-80 until ... well, maybe the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah? All of the stops I have encountered in Nevada feel a little sketchy, so strictly crouch over the toilet, get the dog to potty quicky and get out of there kind of places. At the Donner Summit rest area the bathrooms are clean and there are nice trails going off into the forest abutting the main building so it is a great place to stretch your legs before you hit the monotony of driving through the Great Basin. Oh, and the best part of stopping here in the winter? Californians and snow. LOL. I will say no more. read more

Okay - It's a Rest Stop on Highway 80. But it's clean and fresh. There's PLENTY of parking for cars AND Big Trucks. It's easily accessible from the highway, but they all are. They don't provide service but I found this to be one of the cleanest Rest Areas I seen in my recent travels all over California. Thank you. read more

Donner Summit Eastbound Rest Area - Rest Stops Near Me - Soda Springs, California

Sometimes rest stops can truly be a hit or miss. Especially if there is lack of parking, dirty bathrooms, and no water fountains. Well, the one at Donner Summit is definitely above average. And this is one of the more popular destinations people stop at on their trek to Reno/Tahoe. As the business name states, this is the "Donner Summit Eastbound Rest Area". It lies adjacent to Interstate 80. I've actually been to this rest stop on at least a dozen occasions and have yet to encounter a bad experience. The parking lot is generous on any given day but keep in mind, it does get packed on days where the highway experiences massive delays due to inclement weather conditions. As is the case with most rest stops, they offer two separate areas to park; one for passenger vehicles and the other for RV's and semi-trucks. The stop itself offers clean restrooms where the bathroom tissue and soap is filled has been replenished every time I've visited. Additionally, they offer two vending machines; one for snacks and the other for drinks. Finally, they offer a decent amount of trash bins and several maps that display some of the history of how Donner Pass originated. And of course the amazing fresh air and trees lets you know that you're in the heart of the Sierra Nevada and all the nature that goes with it. All in all, a great rest stop that isn't out of the way at all. Great place to relax, stretch, and let the kids play. My rating, a perfect five stars. read more

Donner Summit Eastbound Rest Area - Perfect morning at the rest stop - Rest Stops Near Me - Soda Springs, California

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Dare I say the Donner Summit Rest Area is the best one in California? Sure there's the one in Vallejo, and who hasn't enjoyed a break at Tejon Pass? But the combination of high altitude and excitement approaching Lake Tahoe makes Donner the best in my opinion. The stop is at Donner Summit along Interstate 80 with decent but often crowded parking. I'll just say it. You're here to pee. That's fine and what it's for. But you can also stretch you legs and enjoy the thin air at 7,000 ft. The main building has large restrooms and is heated. The restrooms are better than basic, but usually are clean and crowded. People aren't resting here. There used to be snacks and soda machines before COVID took them away. There are also reminders of pre internet days with maps and directions before we all had GPS navigation. The main attraction is the one thing they say you cannot do here. Play in the snow! The rest area accumulates a lot of snow and makes for a nice and free play area. Lots of people do it and the highway patrol kinda looks the other way, but don't abuse a good thing. Spend a few minutes playing and move on. It's a easy place for a picture too. And yes, this is that Donner Party place with all the tasty history. Driving to Lake Tahoe and Reno is a long and rough ride along Interstate 80, so make sure to rest at the Donner Summit Rest Area. Stretch those legs, drain the bladder, and take some photos in the crisp mountain air. They could use more info about the Donner Party and the local history, but that's not really what most families want to discuss on the ride home! read more

Donner Summit Eastbound Rest Area - February 7, 2021 - Rest Stops Near Me - Soda Springs, California

For rest areas, it isnt too bad. It serves the purpose. Last week all the vending machines inside were all gone, dont know if that is temporary or permanent. The back area is beautiful. I saw several different wildlife species playing in just the few minutes I was back there. Not as big as the Gold Run rest area but if you can't make it to Reno, this works perfectly! read more

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Thank you for being you. Really appreciate the beautiful respite. read more

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It Does The Trick! *W00T!* SITREP Okay. Admittedly, there isn't much that you can rave about when it comes to a Rest Stop, for gawd's sake, but they are NOT all created equal. So let's get into what I like 'bout this here lil stop: (1) ALWAYS FREAKIN OPEN! Even at 2am. Even at 5am. You may THINK that is a no brainer, but this is NOT the case of all rest stops, by the way. [Sends angry searing gaze towards some I-15 stops between Arizona and Montana.]; (2) BIG - lots of stalls, lots of room between stalls, so even if there is a guy standing right next to me ("Oh hi, Eugene L.!", my buddy from East Bay), it's not like you two are getting cozy with your shoulders up right next to each other (as is the case in some of my regional offices for work...(*Bleh*); (3) PERFECT TIMING - in my trek between Sacramento and Reno, that latte I got at Temple or Weatherstone is RIGHT ABOUT NOW working it's way outta my bladder, so seeing this rest stop is a godsend; (4) ALWAYS SOMETHING INTERESTING TO SEE! - whether it be cute doggies, mounds of snow, mounds of snow being pee'd on by cute doggies, cute doggies being covered by mounds of snow,......pretty nasty accident smack up in front because some motorist tried to get into the rest stop by cutting off a truck...and lost......yeah, cool things like that! (5) CONTEMPLATING DINNER - either about what I am going to get when I drive into Reno, or wondering if the "Spirit of Donner Pass" will *compel* me to eat one of my passengers! Such fun stuff! THE LOWDOWN Thank you Donner Pass Eastbound rest stop for truly being there when me (and my bladder) needed you most! *hearts* read more

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Great rest stop! The bathrooms are super clean! The view is gorgeous and you can even do a mini hike. I just "hiked" up the biggest rock and took a quick picture because I needed to get back on the road. If you are bringing your fur babies, bring a bag to pick up after them. There's plenty of places to park and room for RV or big trucks with trailers. read more

Donner Summit Eastbound Rest Area - Me and my road dog - Rest Stops Near Me - Soda Springs, California

Super cool rest stop on I-80 East, right before Truckee. I have been to some absolutely terrible rest areas and had left without wasting a second. But this one is really great. Well organized, clean bathrooms, plenty of parking spots and vending machines. And the surroundings are damn beautiful. You will definitely spend some time here if you ever happens to stop here. A very nice rest area to stop, stretch and relax during the trip! read more

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This rest stop is a really cool spot. Plenty of room for parking. It's beautiful all around. I was in the Sacramento area looking for a place to crash on Labor Day weekend when it was 90 degrees at night. I decided to drive all the way out here bc the temp was in the 60s. Totally worth the drive. Next morning was an even better surprise bc I drove past Lake Tahoe and absorbed all its glory. If you visit this spot, please do your best to keep it clean. I had to pick up other people's trash which isn't a big deal but I'd rather see this place stay open and clean. read more

Perfect stop to stop, stretch your legs and look around at the beautiful scenery. Clean bathrooms! read more

It snows a lot here in the winter, so it may be closed during storms. It's a good clean stop if you can make it to Truckee or Reno to use the restroom. Easy on and off the freeway. read more

What a Welcomed Sight . I was on my way Home from Reno . After being up for over 24Hrs , I needed a nap . Then I happened along this Rest Area . Perfect timing. Pulled Black Beauty in and parked and took a little Cat Nap , When my Ankle Bracelet woke me up , I used the Restroom which was surprisingly pretty clean especially for a public restroom . Jumped back into Black Beauty and Dropped the Hammer and jumped back onto 80 and rolled home. Nice little Rest Stop . read more

Quick rest stop on the way back to California! There are no vending machines and many of the facilities entrance doors were locked. It was snowing when we were there which is probably why everything was locked but the parking lot was completely full. There are 2 men and women's seperately bathrooms. The bathrooms were pretty clean compared to other pit stops. Note: the weekend I went was the night of Saturday January 23, and returned back to the Bay Area on the evening of January 24. The roads were cleared out constantly by trucks with large snow plows and there was major traffic on the i80 both to and from Reno. read more

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This place is located in the right spot. The view is beautiful. There are many parking spots. Bathrooms are clean and well-maintained. This whole rest area is clean and Wood beautiful view. After long road trip that's perfect spot to stop and rest, there is even a trail to take a hike. There is also snack machine so just in case you want some snack here you go lol. This place is well designed and well built. It definitely deserves 5 stars. There is also parking for trucks. I've seen at least 5 trucks parked on that test area. So if you are truck driver and your lock book is about to end. This is the perfect place for you to rest. There is also tables outside that you can have a quick lunch on. I had great experience over there. Also it's packed with snow during the winter. So if you are looking to get some snow on the way to Sacramento or San Francisco's that is the place you go. read more

I'm so close to home but I just can't wait any longer. Time for a pee break. Roll up and run in to use the nicely updated bathrooms. Then come back and rescue your fur kid who has been waiting patiently in the car while you did your bidness, coz now it's time for his bidness. Leash him up and grab a poop bag BECAUSE. Let him wander around while you stare at the foreign / flatlander tourists who still can't believe there is snow there in April / May / June. Endure the stale jokes about "time to find someplace to eat, get it, hon, DONNER SUMMIT, get it?!" read more

Really nice place for stretching after a long drive from Reno to Sacramento. Next time we are definitely going to check out the trail, so pretty with only a glimpse. read more

This has to be one of the nicest rest areas around! It's is situated just exactly where it needs to be when you need a break on the way to Reno. Scenic, clean bathrooms and a hiking trail that leads to a beautiful lake. You'd never think you were at a road side rest, as you can't see the parking lot as you hike the loop trail. There is snow here much of the year so you might need a sweater. read more

Donner Summit Eastbound Rest Area - Beautiful lake just around the corner from the parking lot. Who knew?? - Rest Stops Near Me - Soda Springs, California

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I definitely recommend coming here for your rest stop if you pass, it is really clean and spacious. Weird that I'm reviewing a rest stop right? But it was such a perfect pit stop. We played with snow that didn't melt yet by the pond (5/5/2014) and was able to take a few photos with snow in the background in the middle of spring time! Only in California where you can play in the snow and go to the beach for a picnic in the same day :] Pros- Plenty of parking Good pit stop if you're driving by [Clean!] Picturesque background with snow and nature read more

Accidentally came across here on the way back from Reno. What a cool rest area. It has a good size area for snow play (bring your own equipment). And it's free! No parking fee ... no fee to just go in and play in the snow like other surrounding areas. It's definitely a hidden gem. Perfect for snow fights. read more

what a fantastic and breath taking rest area. Awesome vending machines too! lol

Nice clean rest area. Plenty of bathroom stalls. There are two vending machines for drinks and snacks. There still some snow outside for the kids to play. read more

Super clean bathrooms at this scenic rest stop. A good place to stretch your legs and take a leak.

This place was a beacon to all of us that were stranded on East bound 80 on July 7, when there was a fatal, big rig roll over accident...that literally stranded all of us on the freeway for about 2.5 hours! Crazy to see a giant big rig rolled over...sad that it was a fatality. And by the time we made it to this rest area...it was a welcomed sight! In all of our years of going up and down the hill...we had never stopped here...and it was super nice, very clean, and plenty of facilities in the ladies room. Don't know what more I can really say about a rest area...but suffice it to say...its a good one. read more