Meet your guide Terry McAteer to witness the engineering marvel of the 19th Century— the hand-hewn 1868 Transcontinental Railroad tunnels at Donner Summit. These historic tunnels are a living testament to the Chinese workers who blasted through this solid granite. We will also see the spectacular Chinese Wall along with discussing this important thoroughfare which saw Native Americans, 49ers, Lincoln Highway auto traffic and, eventually, Highway 40.
• The one-mile (roundtrip) hike is flat.
• Bring water
• Bring a headlamp or good flashlight as the tunnels are dark.
• Wear good hiking or tennis shoes.
Meet at 1:00 pm at the dirt parking lot directly across the street from Donner Ski Ranch on Donner Pass Road. Limited to 35 members
Make it a full day with Terry! In the morning before this field trip is our “Hike to the Elusive Transcontinental Railroad Catfish Pond” field trip that begins at 10:00a. If you would also like to participate in this field trip you must register for it separately.
Field Trip Cancellations and Refund Policy
- If we have to cancel a field trip you will receive a full refund.
- If you cancel a field trip:
- Day Trip: must be canceled at least 2 weeks prior to the field trip to receive a refund (minus a $10 cancellation fee).
- Overnight field trips require a 45-day cancellation notice for a full refund (minus a $50 cancellation fee). No refunds given after that date.