Background On Donner Summit Bridge: The Donner Summit Bridge, also known as the Rainbow Bridge, is…read morenamed after the Donner Summit, a high point in the Sierra Nevada mountain range. The Donner Summit is significant because it was the location where the Donner Party struggled to survive the winter in 1846-47. Background On Visit: Might as well visit the place if i'm already in the area. Location/Parking: The bridge is located on Donner Pass Road and is next to Donner Lake Overlook. There's parking before the bridge and if parking has been taken, you can park over at the Donner Lake Overlook. Ambiance/Decor: Nice ambiance with great views of Sierra Nevada Mountains and Donner Lake. You can also visualize how tough it was for the Donner party to maneuver through the tough terrain with the freezing temps. Luckily on the day that I visited, the weather was absolutely beautiful and there was some snow that hasn't melted on the Sierra Nevada mountain. Donner Summit Bridge For Thought: I would like to come again and drive on the bridge.

Also known as the Rainbow Bridge [Truckee CA]…read more As we were making our way up Donner Pass Road we had a good view of the bridge from below and in my mind it reminded me of the Bixby Bridge in Big Sur as it was built around the same period and has a very similar style. Donner Pass Road is a scenic road that runs through the Sierra Nevada mountains between Truckee and Reno NV. As we arrived at the bridge we pulled off onto the parking lot on the side and enjoyed stunning views of the mountains, Truckee River and Donner Lake below. A plaque on the bridge read "Dedicated to the pioneers who blazed the overland trail through these mountains." This beautiful bridge was restored in 1995 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Review #3558

Great hike, the tunnels were so cool. I think the part people "miss" is they are walking over what…read moreis considered China Wall. If you are walking the tunnels you can't see this engineering feat from the trail. You need a side quest or to start from a lower vantage point to see the actual wall.

This place is super unique!!! No idea why they don't advertise this place more. There's a parking…read morelot on your left shortly before you hit the rainbow bridge. If the weather is nice, you'll see a bunch of climbers right here. From the lot, proceed uphill for a short distance and you'll see the petroglyphs on the rocks to your left. Proceed up these and you'll hit the tunnels! Go to the left for the best ones. I'd recommend going with someone as it can be a bit creepy in the darker areas and you never know what can happen. A flashlight or headlamp is a good idea but you're phone will suffice. There are openings every now and then so it's not like a cave or pitch dark. Tons of graffiti everywhere in a tunnel view which make for some awesome photos (reason 2 to have a partner or IG BF on hand). Enjoy!!

Came here a few years ago & could not get into the tunnels because the entrance was frozen over…read more Well today it's a different story. Beautiful place & something the kids will enjoy. Only thing you should definitely have is... Boots, water, protein bars, portable charger. You have those few things & you will have a good time.

We had out of town family in town last week and we made it back to the Donner (Railroad) Tunnels. I…read morelove the tunnels! It's SO beautiful. And as it was a railroad, it's level and easy, and as it's in the tunnels, you're mostly protected from the weather. Bring good trail walking shoes and a flashlight. (And park across from the Donner Ski Ranch.)

Well run part of the local history of the fort and John Sutter. They are doing a good job updating…read moreand including more information about the people, what they did and how they lived. This is a good place to take kids and people who are interested in California history. We took our 10 year old niece and she had a good time. There is a small gift shop and the staff are incredibly helpful and knowledgeable. When you study history and learn about life in the past, you will see that there were no good old days.

We walk through the park side all the time while we're exploring Midtown. It's such a fun and…read morerelaxing spot to visit with a lot of wildlife. There are always ducks and turtles, and it seems they're used to having people come and feed them because they all swam right over to us on our last early morning walk. They followed us expectantly as we walked near the water and over the bridge before dispersing after realizing we didn't have any food for them. This time of the year you'll also see a lot of baby ducks, and we even saw a baby turtle swimming around. It's a great spot if you're looking for some calm and nature in the city.

Reno! Here we stand again !…read more This little city, or the "biggest little city," or charming little city needs some more attention and highlights! As we remember, we look over the past! We must look towards the present and live for the future! We stayed here a few times, it's close to Lake Tahoe and the music venues. All the natural wonders that this city has to offer . In fact it was going to be a forever dream of home, a fleeting fancy now ! Let's not pretend that you need to see Reno! It's a great day trip ! You come and see a show! Stay over night. In one afternoon you can rent a bike and see the whole city ! The wonders around each corner are endless! When we were here we wandered and found ourselves walking around. Discovering something! Who knows what we were thinking or even looking for . Beware that the city is not the best after dark ! The city of Reno is feeling the effects of crime and violence of being just a city. Just be careful and aware. Don't get into some kind of chokehold. Life is too short ! Let's make it longer! Now let's not get scared, but be aware. The old days of Reno are all over and are awaiting you. Come here and play. We enjoyed just the aspects of the natural environment that coexists between human and animal here. It's too cool! Grab some close! Feed the ducks and stroll along the water front. It's great all the coffee shops you need to see ! Let's go.

Downtown Reno is one of the best spot to go to. Once in a while they have lots of events and…read morefestivals in downtown Reno. Also I go downtown to Railfan the trains going under the Reno Trench. And go to Circus Circus, Silver Legacy, and all the other casinos out there. And they're building a new casinos coming up soon by the old Harris area. I hope that new casino is better than the other casinos out there.

Interstate 80 is not on my radar to drive everyday. On occasion, I am on it to head to a particular…read moredestination. It has been a nightmare for construction in West Sacramento. I was stuck in traffic a couple of occasions and was not pleased. I know....I know....it's an improvement!!! The payoff will be worth the headache. We used this highway going to Reno area for visiting friends and fun outings. Some spots are a little rough, but quite decent in other areas. Depending on the time of day, traffic can be tricky. Overall, highways are designed to get us from point A to B! Faster than the backroads.

Always a dicey proposition. Traffic can get nasty at times. It's the option that transitions from…read morecross country 50 that brings you to the coast.

Quick hike of a little over a mile to explore this area. There is a beautiful regional park and a…read moreriver trail that is well traversed. A nice walk Easy parking. Please come and create your own adventure.

Truckee River Regional Park is a fantastic spot for outdoor fun, especially during the winter. We…read morecame here for some snow play to kill time before out hotel room was ready, and it did not disappoint. There is plenty of space to sled, build snowmen, and just enjoy the beautiful snowy scenery. The river flowing by is very beautiful especially covered in snow. The park is well maintained, with clean bathrooms conveniently located nearby, which is always a plus when you're out with kids. If you have a dog, it's a great place for a walk, too. It was very snow covered so I was able to just go into the tennis courts and let my dog run around off leash. There are poop bags free of charge available so please use them when out and about with your dog. Parking was plentiful, so there's no stress about finding a spot. Whether you're here for some winter activities or just a stroll, Truckee River Regional Park has something for everyone.

Buy your parking pass online ahead of time. Remember to display it on the dash. You have to get…read morehere before 8:30am to secure a parking spot. If you are late, you will not find parking at all even if you paid for the pass. There are a lot of people who just double-park and create a parking mess and may block you in. It's absolutely crazy on the weekends here. There's 2 bathrooms and they are horribly nasty and disgusting. If you have kids, just have them wear diapers, lol. There's a limited area of hills to sled down so you'll be sharing it with other families. Just be courteous to others and a bunch of kids.

Smow day was a success! First time here at this snow park. We planned ahead and bought parking…read morepermit online as its $10 per vehicle. We got here at 8 am and was perfect, few cars and less people playing. We parked near and had the area to ourself for at least an hour and half till it got busy. Theres plenty of snow and sliding area to enjoy. Theres also a restroom on site, just bring a spray as it gets smelly. Recommendations- go early, bring your own snow slid & enjoy for as long as you want.

My son with special needs and I went to Kingvale and had a great time! The team was very kind and…read morehelpful; especially Will who helped my son with his fear of the magic carpet for the tubing. Will talked with Jake each time he helped Jake all the way up while I took the tubes up. The woman who was at the purchase window was very helpful and friendly. The guy at the parking lot booth was super friendly and cheerful as well! I love that the parking lot is not gigantic so you know you will get the opportunity to sled/tube a lot because it limits the amount of cars. We went the day before the big storm came through (avalanche a few miles away) so I can only imagine how incredible it is when there is abundant fresh powder! I highly recommend Kingvale! It is a great option for families because it's a smaller place but that is just why I loved it. You can pack your lunch and have a great day. It's so convenient to get to, right off the freeway! The pizza place in the parking lot was DELISH! The gas station attendant was super nice and some of the best hot chocolate I have ever had. Fantastic time!!!

We've been coming here for years and LOVE it! The parking attendants were super helpful in helping…read moreus get out of the slush. Everyone is super kind. We'll be back soon!

Mosquitoes will kill you and take your lunch money in seconds. Also an intermediate trail please…read moredon't assume you can do it easily because you used to hike 20 years ago!

Like the other reviewers we just hiked the 1.5 miles to the bridge and back up, would not recommend…read morefor beginners. But the view is worth it!