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Pacific Crest Trail and Donner Peak Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 156 Google reviews · Running trail in Truckee, California · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Pacific Crest Trail and Donner Peak Trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Hike, trail, ski area, snowshoe, climbing area featuring a wide variety of terrains and panoramic scenery from the summit.
What runners say about Pacific Crest Trail and Donner Peak Trailhead
“Once into the trees, the climb is beautiful and full of wildflowers at this time of year.”
This is one of the best hiking trails that we have all ever been on. It starts behind Mary Lake, and zig zags you all the way to the top of Mt Judah or Donner Summit as you pass through Sugar Bowl ski resort. The views along the way are out of this world.
Wildflower heaven. We were on the PCT, heading south toward Tinkers Knob, doing roving trail magic. I have hiked this trail numerous times and it never fails to delight my senses--sight, sound, smell, touch . . .
Pretty narrow trails but it’s not too crowded. Difficult to back country ski or snowshoe when the snow is really packed. Otherwise, great views and easy to get to the top of the mountain.
A relatively easy hike up about 1,300 ft to Donner Summit - Mt. Judah Loop. Gorgeous overlook to Donner Lake and surrounding terrains.
Trail conditions & character
“Once into the trees, the climb is beautiful and full of wildflowers at this time of year.”
“We passed over 45 PCT through hikers and shared our fresh fruit and starburst candies as well as cold drinks in a cooler at the trailhead.”
“5 miles if you do Mt Judah loop and also scamper to Donner Peak.”
“Once into the trees, the climb is beautiful and full of wildflowers at this time of year.”
Plan your run at Pacific Crest Trail and Donner Peak Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Websitefs.usda.gov
- Phone+1 530-265-4531
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Running trails near Truckee
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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China Cove Trail
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