Donner Peak & Mount Judah, CA

• 5-star hike
• 3 to 5 mile options
• Moderate | Gain 890 to 1,310 ft | Peak 8,243 ft
• Donner Summit, CA | Lake Tahoe
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The image shows a snowy hillside with a set of footprints leading up to a large metal structure, likely a reflective radio structure. The sky is clear and blue, and a few trees are visible in the background. The contrast between the white snow and the blue sky, along with the footprints, makes the image visually interesting.

The image shows a snowy hillside with a set of footprints leading up to a large metal structure, likely a reflective radio structure. The sky is clear and blue, and a few trees are visible in the background. The contrast between the white snow and the blue sky, along with the footprints, makes the image visually interesting.

On the trail through June snow.

Stunning views await you on this hiking trail and snowshoe route in the Northern Sierras, which takes in two separate peaks in just five and half miles.

Begin where the old US-40 meets the Pacific Coast Trail and immediately switchbacks up the mountains towards Sugar Bowl ski resort. A little further along the trail, take a short easterly detour to Donner Summit and peer over the edge and take in spectacular views of Donner Lake and the surrounding Sierras.

Trail Options Expand KML · Google Earth ·

⬤ 4★ Donner Peak Out & Back 3.4 mi out & back, moderate, gain 890 ft
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions GPX?

⬤ 5★ Donner Peak & Mt Judah Loop 5.3 mi part-loop, moderate, gain 1,310 ft
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions

The high elevations mean that you can find substantial snow on the peaks even into early summer, and if that makes the next segment of the hike too imposing, you can still return to the trailhead having bagged a great summit.

If you choose to continue on, take the steep climb up Mount Judah, then follow the ridgeline to the higher, southern peak. In deep snow, keep particular watch here for dangerous winter conditions and cornices. After negotiation the ridgeline, the return loop back to the PCT is all downhill from here.

The image shows a lone tree growing on a rocky outcrop with a backdrop of snow-capped mountains and a clear blue sky. The tree is bent and twisted, likely due to strong winds, and stands out against the rugged landscape.

The image shows a lone tree growing on a rocky outcrop with a backdrop of snow-capped mountains and a clear blue sky. The tree is bent and twisted, likely due to strong winds, and stands out against the rugged landscape.

Tangents:
• Public Map at AllTrails: Public Map at AllTrails
• Facebook Group: Comment, Follow Us

Trailspotting Nearby
5★ Castle Peak (5 mi) · 4★ Loch Leven Lakes (7 mi) · 4★ Donner Memorial State Park (3 mi) · Show Map

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